Meet Our Team

Peter O’Brien, MS (he/him)

Associate Mental Health Counselor
Limited availability for new clients

Groups Served: Young adults, Adults & Older Adults
Services: Individual therapy
Availability: In-person and telehealth sessions
Insurance: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield/Anthem, Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Optum, Tufts Health Plan (commercial plans only), United Healthcare
Top Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma/PTSD, Grief/Loss
Other Issues: Burnout, Chronic Pain, Life Transitions, Social Anxiety, Midlife Challenges, Relationship Issues, Stress Management

I’m a pre-licensed Mental Health Counselor offering services in person and online for all adults as well as people in the LGBTQIA+ community. I often work with clients who have challenges with anxiety, depression and trauma. Also, people that experienced tough stuff in their childhood, sufferers of grief, relational concerns or difficulties regulating emotions.

My goal is to help you stop feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, dwelling and just living life at a frenzied pace. Instead, our sessions can empower you to make big changes, encourage you to see healing and transformation as possible, guiding you through positive changes to where things feel manageable again.

My Approach to Therapy

I bring a nonjudgmental acceptance of all clients, as well as a clarifying and encouraging presence to each session. I also bring heart and warmth to our sessions. As a therapist, I can:

  • Help you explore your thoughts, feelings and goals.

  • Gain more clarity and be yourself, to feel what you need to feel, as well as be understood and heard.

I enjoy guiding people towards becoming healthier and more empowered by witnessing them achieve more fulfilling lives. Seeing a person walk away lighter, freer and more excited about their life is a goal.

Our sessions enable a space to explore your thoughts, feelings and goals. Also, to find peace and silence that is not experienced in other places.

At Essential Insights Counseling Center, there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to therapy.

It’s important to me to stay open to any feedback and any questions you may have. I want to ensure the process is collaborative and focused on therapy outcomes.

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

― Carl Rogers

As a Therapist, I Embrace the Following Philosophies:

  • I believe that therapy should address the person as a whole - their mind, body, and spirit

  • I believe that people underestimate their ability to change. It’s possible to change. It’s possible to enjoy life again.

  • I believe that even if we feel like we’ve lost hope, it’s possible to show up, commit to ourselves, and do what it takes to start feeling better.

My Professional Background

I became a licensed Australian Psychologist in 2007 consulting at a spinal pain clinic and a medical center in the city of Sydney till 2018. I have since received my Masters in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Massachusetts in Boston. In addition, I have local work experience at a community center, a psychiatric treatment facility, a medium security prison and as an associate within a private practice. The larger scope of treatment facility contexts enables a way to better understand what clients are thinking and feeling while normalizing what they are experiencing.

Peter is an Associate Mental Health Counselor, which means that he has completed all of the required education and training for his Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He is now completing his required 2 years of supervised work experience and will complete a national licensing exam, after which he’ll be eligible to apply for licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and he could then practice independently. During his supervised work experience at Essential Insights Counseling Center, Peter is being supervised by Dr. Jennifer Warkentin, a Licensed Psychologist in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Are you ready to make a change? Get started with therapy today.

Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation with our intake coordinator in our online scheduler. During your initial call, you can share what’s going on for you and ask us any questions you may have. Through understanding your needs, we will help you choose the best therapist for you, answer any questions you might have, and schedule your first session.