Meet Our Team
Peter O’Brien, MS (he/him)
Associate Mental Health Counselor
Accepting new clients
Groups Served: Adults and members of the LGBTQIA+ community
Services: Individual therapy
Availability: In-person and telehealth sessions
Insurance: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield/Anthem, Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan, Tufts Health Plan (commercial plans only)
Top Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, Trauma/PTSD
Other Issues: Chronic Pain, Grief, Social Anxiety
I am an Associate Mental Health Counselor who works with adults and members of the LGBTQIA+ community who have challenges with anxiety, depression, and trauma. I also work with people who have experienced tough stuff in their childhood, or who are struggling with grief, relationship issues, or difficulties managing their emotions. My goal is to help you stop feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and 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, and help guide you through positive changes to where things feel manageable again.
My Approach to Therapy
I bring heart and warmth to each session. As a therapist, I can:
Help you explore your thoughts, feelings and goals
Gain more understanding about yourself and be your authentic self
Feel what you need to feel
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 one of my goals.
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. 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 meeting your goals.
At Essential Insights Counseling Center, there isn’t a “one size fits all” approach to therapy.
The type of therapy that I practice has a non-judgmental acceptance of all clients, as well as bringing a clarifying and encouraging presence to sessions.
“Vulnerability is not weakness. And that myth is profoundly dangerous.”
― Brené Brown
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 working at a medical center in the city of Sydney until 2018. After moving to the United States, I received my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Massachusetts, 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. My experience in the larger scope of a treatment facility helps me better understand what clients are thinking and feeling, while also normalizing their experiences.
Peter is an Associate Mental Health Clinician, which means that he has completed all of the required education and training for his Master’s in Mental Health Counseling and has passed a national licensing exam. He is now completing his required 2 years of supervised work experience, after which he’ll be eligible to apply for licensure as a Licensed Mental Health Clinician 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.
Start feeling better and reclaiming your peace!
Reach out and let us know that I could be your best fit therapist.
Here's how it works: Call us today or schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation in our online scheduler. During your initial call with our intake coordinator, you can share what’s going on for you and ask 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.