Joy O'Brien
I am a dually board certified nurse practitioner in family medicine and psychiatry. I have over a decade of experience working across the lifespan helping people find their way to the healthy life that they desire. I really enjoy getting to know my patients as individuals and celebrating the accomplishments each person makes in their path to a rewarding life. When I'm not working or learning more, you can find me hiking with my dogs, exploring New England, sailing, skiing, mountain biking, running, baking, and quilting.
When I'm not working or learning more, you can find me hiking with my dogs, exploring New England, sailing, skiing, mountain biking, running, baking, and quilting.
First session
From the outset, I want to get to know who I am working with, their goals, and the context that leads to them seeking help. I want to know what's worked, what hasn't worked, and their priorities and things to avoid in treatment. I am warm and friendly and bring a wry sense of humor and compassion to work every day.
Strengths
I am at my best when helping others, and find a lot of joy in the individual relationships that I build with my clients. I am always seeking to find the best way to support the person in front of me, whether that's listening and being present, or setting a boundary, making a suggestion, or asking clarifying questions. I have a lot of experience working in healthcare and can see the interplay and complexity of physical health and mental health. I'm familiar with the mind-body connection and the ways that treating one can affect the other. I bring that comprehensive experience and a commitment to working with each individual as an individual rather than following the same playbook for each person.
Ideal clients
I work with adolescents and adults in all walks of life, in different family and relationship constellations. I have experience working with different socioeconomic realities, LGBTQIA, and non-traditional relationship structures, from a variety of ethnic and spiritual backgrounds. I believe medication is only part of the picture in terms of a well balanced life, and will enthusiastically talk about integrative and non-traditional approaches to health.
Treatment methods
Motivational Interviewing
I know that connecting people to their own goals is far more effective than me telling someone what their goals should be, so I collaborate with clients to help them establish their priorities and then examine and address the barriers to them having the life and relationship experiences they want to have to thrive. I have a strong background in addiction medicine, as well, which relies heavily on motivational interviewing.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use reframing to help people examine their feelings and separate their narrative from the facts of their experience to look for opportunities to implement positive change.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- ConnecticutLicense 12.012047
- MassachusettsLicense RN2264263
- VermontLicense 101.0136087