Rory O’Connell(He/Him/His)

Rory is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and families. He is especially passionate about supporting individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, family conflict, addiction, and major life transitions. With experience across multiple levels of care, Rory creates an environment where clients feel supported, understood, and empowered to move toward meaningful change.

Rory’s therapeutic approach is grounded in trauma-informed, strengths-based care. He draws from modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), for which he is certified, and Motivational Interviewing (MI). He has extensive experience working with neurodivergent clients, including those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and tailors his approach to meet each person’s unique needs, pace, and communication style. Rory believes in meeting clients exactly where they are while helping them build insight, resilience, and healthier patterns.

Rory’s professional background includes serving as a therapist within the foster care system, providing support to children and families coping with trauma, attachment disruptions, and system involvement. During his graduate training, he also worked as a counselor in a detox setting, offering emotional support and stabilization to individuals in early recovery. These experiences shaped his collaborative, human-centered style and his belief that healing is possible at any stage of life.

Rory holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from East Carolina University and a Master’s in Social Work from Rutgers University. He offers both in-person sessions at Exceptional Wellness Counseling and remote therapy for clients throughout New Jersey, ensuring flexible access to care.