Michael J. Connelly

LPC, 28 years of experience
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New to Grow

VirtualAvailable

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania and New Jersey with over 20 years of experience specializing in co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. My background includes private practice, forensic evaluation, and leadership of a state-licensed treatment program. I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, OCD, anger issues, life transitions, and mens issues I believe effective therapy requires both insight and action. Clients who work with me can expect a collaborative but focused process, where we identify patterns, clarify goals, and implement concrete steps toward improved functioning and long-term stability.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

The first session is focused on understanding you clearly and thoroughly. We will review what brings you to treatment, your current concerns, relevant history (mental health, substance use, medical, family, and legal if applicable), and what you would like to accomplish. I will ask structured, clinically relevant questions so I can form an accurate understanding of your situation and begin developing an appropriate treatment plan. You can expect a professional, respectful, and direct conversation. I will also explain how I work, discuss confidentiality and its limits, and answer any questions you may have about the process. By the end of the session, we will identify initial goals and outline practical next steps so you leave with clarity about the direction of treatment.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

One of my greatest strengths is my ability to combine clinical depth with practical application. I do not approach therapy as open-ended conversation alone; I structure treatment around clear goals, measurable progress, and evidence-based strategies that clients can implement in real life. My work integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and co-occurring disorder treatment principles in a way that is direct, efficient, and results-focused. Another distinguishing strength is my experience in both clinical and forensic settings. I am skilled at conducting thorough assessments, identifying underlying patterns, and providing objective, well-supported clinical impressions when needed. Clients often appreciate my straightforward communication style, balanced accountability, and ability to help them move from insight to action.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal clients are adults who are motivated for meaningful change and appreciate a structured, goal-oriented approach to treatment. I work well with individuals experiencing anxiety, OCD, depression, anger issues, substance use concerns, and men navigating identity, stress, and life transitions.

SpecialtiesTop specialties
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Location
Virtual
My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

In my practice, I use CBT to help clients identify maladaptive thought patterns, cognitive distortions, and behavioral cycles that contribute to anxiety, depression, anger, and substance use.

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.