A Holistic, Mind-Body Approach

Welcome, I’m Denise O’Neil. I’m a licensed Psychotherapist
and Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego.

I specialize in treating trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, and a wide range of relationship issues. My practice includes individuals, couples, and families. To assist you in making an informed decision about working with me, I’d like to share my philosophy of care.

For those struggling with post-traumatic stress, the trauma continues to live in the body after the event(s). Trauma affects us physically, psychologically, emotionally, behaviorally, cognitively, relationally, and spiritually. As such, I take a holistic approach to psychotherapy. My mind-body approach considers the physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual factors affecting your health.

Some of the most well-researched mind-body therapies include guided imagery, mindfulness, meditation and hypnosis. I integrate these tools with evidence-based practices like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for optimal treatment outcomes. Treatment is customized to meet your individual circumstances and needs.

Trauma-Informed

I provide trauma-informed care, a strengths-based framework grounded in an understanding of and responsiveness to the impact of trauma. This approach recognizes how trauma affects the individual by disrupting healthy development, adversely affecting relationships, and contributing to mental health issues including substance abuse. Trauma-informed care sees a person’s efforts to cope with trauma as strategies for survival. While survival strategies are initially adaptive, they can become maladaptive if they persist over time. Treatment focuses on how an individual’s survival style is distorting their present experience and creating problems. A core goal of trauma-informed care is to create opportunities for people to gain a sense of control and empowerment.

Strengths-Based

As a strengths-based therapist, I have an unwavering belief that each person has the power to heal him or herself. While the resources lie within, people often become dissociated from their strengths and resiliencies. My goal is to help you reconnect with your inner resources and realize new possibilities. I facilitate the process by providing a safe, supportive space free of judgment.

To attain recovery, it’s crucial to set the intention to overcome the pain of the past. Once a conscious commitment to get well has been made, psychotherapy can act as a powerful catalyst. It is well known the client-therapist relationship is the most important factor in healing; therefore, I take a collaborative approach. You and I will work together to achieve change. I believe you’ll experience our partnership as open, respectful, energized and purposeful.

Everybody has value and everybody has worth. Each person has their own unique gift to give to the world. I look forward to guiding you in reaching your potential.