Brenda O’Leary, PhD

When anxiety, school struggles, or emotional overwhelm start to take over, it feels like everything is harder than it should be.

For teens, young adults, and families, everyday stress can quickly build into something more—difficulty getting to school, challenges with friendships, uncertainty about the future, or feeling stuck in patterns that just aren’t working.

As a parent, you may feel worried, frustrated, or unsure how to help. You’ve tried supporting, encouraging, and problem-solving—but nothing seems to fully shift things.

And for teens or young adults, it can feel like you’re carrying a lot on your own, constantly overthinking, second-guessing, or struggling to keep up.

You do not have to do this alone.

I CAN HELP.

I work with teens, young adults, adults, and parents navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, school-related stress, life transitions, and challenges with emotional regulation.

Many of the clients I work with come in feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily life, whether that’s school avoidance, peer stress, difficulty focusing, or feeling unsure about decisions and direction. Together, we focus on building clarity, confidence, and the skills needed to move forward.

Over time, clients begin to feel more grounded and capable. They learn how to manage stress, strengthen relationships, and trust in their ability to handle challenges and achieve their goals.

I bring over 20 years of experience as a School Psychologist, working across elementary, middle, and high school settings.

My background includes

  • Conducting psychological and behavioral evaluations

  • Supporting students with emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and behavioral challenges

  • Extensive experience with school avoidance and academic struggles

  • Deep knowledge of the PPT/IEP process and school-based supports

  • Collaboration with families, schools, and outside providers to ensure continuity of care

This experience allows me to understand the full picture—both in and out of the classroom—and to help families navigate complex school-related concerns with confidence.

My Approach

My style is warm, approachable, and structured, creating a space where clients feel safe to explore both their strengths and their challenges. I provide direct, thoughtful feedback while always respecting each client’s goals, perspective, and pace.

I believe strongly in each person’s potential and I often hold that belief for my clients until they’re able to fully see it in themselves. Therapy is both supportive and goal-oriented, helping clients move from feeling stuck to feeling empowered.

I draw from evidence-based approaches including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

  • Solution-Focused Therapy

Clients often share that they feel truly heard, supported without judgment, and more confident in their ability to navigate difficult situations after working together.

ADHD Evaluations

If you or your child are struggling with focus, attention, organization, or school performance, you may be wondering: Is this ADHD… or something else?

Getting the right answers can make all the difference.

I offer comprehensive ADHD evaluations for children, teens, and adults, helping families and individuals better understand what’s going on and what support is needed moving forward.

With over 24 years of experience as a school psychologist, I bring a deep understanding of how attention, executive functioning, and emotional factors impact performance in both school and daily life. I also have extensive experience with the PPT/IEP process, which allows me to provide meaningful, practical recommendations that translate directly into school supports when appropriate.

Evaluations are designed to be clear, thorough, and actionable, providing:

  • A better understanding of attention and executive functioning challenges

  • Diagnostic clarification (when appropriate)

  • Practical recommendations for school, home, and daily functioning

  • Guidance for next steps, including therapy, school supports, or accommodations

Whether you’re seeking answers for your child or yourself, this process can bring clarity, direction, and relief.

On a personal note

I live in the Farmington Valley with my husband and three teenage children, and I’m also a proud dog mom to an Irish Doodle puppy. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family, being outdoors, watching movies, and teaching competitive Irish step dancing.

Availability & Locations

I offer sessions in our Avon and Farmington offices, as well as telehealth counseling for clients across Connecticut. I have after-school, evening, and weekend availability, making therapy more accessible for busy families.

Next Steps

You don’t have to figure this out alone. Call (860) 255-4017 today for a free 15-minute consultation, and together we’ll find the right support to help you or your family feel more confident, capable, and hopeful.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Credentials:

  • Connecticut Licensed Psychologist, State of CT License #5203

  • Certified School Psychologist (070), State of CT - #C102021000743

  • B.A. in Psychology, College of the Holy Cross (Worcester, MA)

  • Ph.D in Educational Psychology University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT)

  • Over 20 years of experience as school psychologist (elementary, middle school and high school levels)

  • Expertise in conducting comprehensive assessments and developing tailored interventions for students with various academic, and social-emotional

  • Experience working closely with parents, educators, and school teams