Eileen OBrien Phelps, LMHC

Eileen OBrien Phelps is a licensed mental health counselor with 28 years of experience. She focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, and related struggles. She works with each person to create a clear, practical plan that fits their life.

She uses straightforward methods drawn from cognitive behavioral approaches and client-centered work. Sessions often involve identifying unhelpful thoughts, practicing new skills, and building on strengths the person already has. EMDR and mindfulness techniques are used when trauma or distress need targeted attention.

Her style is direct and hopeful. She helps people recognize small steps that lead to change. She pays attention to what matters most to the person and adjusts the plan as progress is made.

Eileen has worked with people facing family-of-origin issues, parenting challenges, grief, anger, and life transitions. She also has experience with adoption and foster care concerns, first responder issues, postpartum depression, and prejudice-related stress. Her background supports work on specific problems such as phobias, seasonal mood shifts, and coping after disasters.

Sessions are designed to increase confidence and restore a sense of direction. She guides people to use their existing strengths while teaching practical tools. The aim is to help someone move from feeling stuck to taking steps toward the life they want.

Therapeutic approaches and online options

Many sessions draw on cognitive behavioral therapy, which focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing practical ways to change them. CBT is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and problem-solving during life changes.

Client-centered therapy is another core style. It emphasizes listening, validation, and working at the person’s own pace to build confidence and clarify goals.

EMDR is offered when trauma memories or intense reactions need targeted attention; it involves structured processing to reduce the emotional charge of traumatic memories.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss options, try methods that match the person’s goals, and adjust the plan based on what helps most. This is a collaborative process that centers the client’s preferences and needs.

Online therapy is offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to give flexible ways to connect. Video is useful for face-to-face conversation and skill practice. Phone can be easier when bandwidth is limited or for short check-ins. Live chat and messaging work well for ongoing support between sessions and for people who prefer typing. These options allow therapy to fit into busy schedules and changing routines.