Connor A. Will, LCSW

Some clinicians focus more on the cognitive, thought-oriented processes in an individual. I tend to focus more on traumatic influences as well as the emotions occurring in the present moment. I believe that processing trauma and emotions brings us closer to healing the deep wounds that show up in our day-to-day lives. That said, I respect client autonomy and allow clients to go at their own pace in this work.

I reject hierarchical labels in the therapy space. I do not consider myself any kind of "healer" or "fixer" — the client does the healing, and therapists are there to help. When I think of my relationship with clients, I think of Yalom's line: "I prefer to think of my patients and myself as fellow travelers." I like to treat the session like a conversation, one in which I extend curiosity and unconditional positive regard to my clients in the hopes that they become more curious about themselves.

Types of clients treated:

- Teens (13-17)

- Young Adults (18-25)

- Adults (26-64)

- Older Adults (65+)

- Couples

- Families

- LGBTQ+

- Trans & Gender Expansive

- Non-Monogamous

- Neurodivergent

- BIPOC

- Immigrants & First-Generation

- College Students

Types of therapies or interventions used:

- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

- Internal Family Systems / Parts Work

- Person-Centered

- Gestalt

- Narrative

- Gottman Method

- Motivational Interviewing

- Strengths-Based

- Mindfulness-Based

- Somatic & Body-Based

- Structural Family Therapy

- Trauma-Informed Care

- Feminist & Anti-Racist

- LGBTQ+ & Gender-Affirming

- Exposure Therapy

- Psychoeducation

Types of mental health issues treated:

- Anxiety

- Depression

- Trauma & PTSD

- Complex Trauma

- Sexual Assault & Sexual Trauma

- Men's Issues

- Relationship & Attachment Issues

- Family Conflict

- Infidelity

- ADHD & Executive Function

- Substance Use & Recovery

- Sexuality & Gender Identity

- Anger Management

- Bipolar Disorder

- Grief & Loss

- Life Transitions

- Self-Esteem & Shame

Licenses/Certifications

- LCSW #137131

- Gottman Method Couples Therapy, Level 1

Education

- B.A. Psychology, Wheaton College, Norton, MA

- M.A. Social Work, Salem State University, Salem, MA

Availability

- Newport Beach, CA

- Telehealth

Languages: English

Years of experience: 5

Why I became a Therapist:

I always knew I wanted to help and serve others. Therapy has been the space where I am most passionate about doing so. This field has also pushed me to be a better and more mindful individual, which has improved the quality of my own life as well as helped me better support my clients.

Describe your therapeutic approach and what makes it unique?

I take a trauma-informed approach. This involves bringing curiosity to how traumatic experiences from our past influence our responses to adversity in the present. In doing so, we can find self-compassion as well as tools to help us navigate those adversities and heal in the process.