Monae McConnell
Monae McConnell
(she/her)
My name is Monae McConnell, and I am the owner of H.E.A.L Space,LLC. I received my MSW from Rutgers University in 2016. With 9 years of experience in mental health, I've worked with diverse populations, from children to older adults, in settings ranging from prisons to outpatient clinics. My approach is shaped by my own healing journey, where I discovered the powerful synergy between talk therapy and mindful movement.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In your first session with me at H.E.A.L SPACE, you can expect a warm, welcoming environment where your comfort and safety are prioritized. We’ll begin by discussing what brought you to therapy and exploring your main concerns—whether that’s anxiety, grief, relationship issues, or another area of your life you’d like support with. I’ll ask about your history and what you hope to achieve, but there’s no rush; the pace is set by you, and you’re encouraged to share only what feels comfortable. Together, we’ll start to identify your goals and discuss possible approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, or mindfulness-based techniques, depending on your preferences and needs. I’ll explain how these methods work and answer any questions you may have, so you feel informed and empowered from the very beginning. The first session is also a chance for you to get a sense of my style and see if it feels like a good fit for your healing journey. Above all, you can expect a collaborative, nonjudgmental space—a soft place to land and a safe place to rise—where you are seen as whole, not broken, and where your unique path to healing is honored.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strengths as a therapist lie in my ability to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel truly seen and supported. I approach each individual with deep empathy and genuine curiosity, allowing me to tailor my methods to meet their unique needs and honor the non-linear nature of healing. My practice is rooted in collaborative guidance—I partner with clients, empowering them to take an active role in their growth and recovery. What makes me unique is my integrative approach: I combine evidence-based therapies like CBT and EMDR with mindfulness and mind-body practices such as yin yoga, offering holistic care that addresses both emotional and physical well-being. I am especially attuned to the complexities of family dynamics, relationship issues, and life transitions, and I draw on my experience to support clients through these challenges.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
The ideal client for H.E.A.L SPACE is someone seeking support for mental wellness and personal growth, often experiencing concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, or life transitions. Many ideal clients are adults, with a particular focus on women, though all genders are welcome. These individuals may be navigating challenges related to relationships, family dynamics, or career and academic decisions, and are open to collaborative, holistic approaches—including mindfulness, yoga, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and trauma-informed modalities like EMDR. The ideal client values a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where healing is recognized as a non-linear journey, and seeks a space that offers both a soft place to land and a safe place to rise.
About Monae McConnell
I identify as
Specialties
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I introduce clients to the basics of CBT, explaining how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and I help normalize their experiences by showing that negative thoughts and emotions are common and can be addressed with practical tools. Throughout our work, we use thought records and journaling to track automatic thoughts, and I guide clients in examining the evidence for and against these thoughts, helping them develop more balanced perspectives. We also engage in behavioral experiments, such as planning small, manageable activities to increase positive experiences for those experiencing depression, or using exposure techniques for anxiety. Problem-solving skills are practiced by breaking down challenges into actionable steps. I often blend mindfulness practices with CBT, encouraging clients to notice their thoughts and feelings without judgment, and to respond to setbacks with self-compassion rather than self-criticism.
EMDR
When we begin EMDR, I follow the structured eight-phase protocol, which includes assessment, preparation, desensitization, installation of positive beliefs, body scan, closure, and reevaluation. During processing, I use bilateral stimulation—such as guided eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—to help clients reprocess distressing memories, supporting the brain’s natural ability to heal and integrate difficult experiences. We work to identify and address negative beliefs or self-perceptions linked to past events, aiming to replace them with more adaptive, positive beliefs. I often blend EMDR with other therapeutic techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, to address both the emotional and cognitive aspects of trauma and to tailor the process to each client’s unique needs. Mindfulness practices are incorporated to help clients stay present and regulated during sessions, especially if intense emotions arise. EMDR is always adapted to each client’s readiness and comfort level, and we move at a pace that feels safe, with regular check-ins to ensure the process remains collaborative and empowering. For clients who need additional support, we may use EMDR techniques to strengthen positive memories and internal resources before addressing more distressing material.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I incorporate mindfulness-based therapy in my practice by guiding clients to develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present moment, using both formal and informal mindfulness techniques. During sessions, I often introduce mindfulness meditation, body scan exercises, and mindful breathing, helping clients learn to observe their experiences without judgment or reactivity. We might use guided imagery or gentle movement, such as yoga-inspired stretches, to heighten awareness of the body and ground clients during emotionally overwhelming moments. I also encourage clients to integrate mindfulness into their daily routines—whether through mindful eating, walking, or simply pausing to notice the breath—so that these skills become accessible tools for managing stress and emotional challenges outside of therapy.