
Brandi OConnell, LISW-CP
Licensed Independent Social Worker-Clinical Practice (LISW-CP)
Summerville, SC
Online only
Free initial consultation
About me
Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working closely with first responders—firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and dispatchers—who face intense stress, trauma, and responsibility every day. I understand the unique challenges that come with this line of work: the long shifts, the pressure to stay composed, the unspoken toll it can take on mental health and relationships. This experience has shaped how I show up in the therapy room—grounded, direct, and deeply respectful of your world.
I also specialize in couples therapy, helping partners who feel stuck, disconnected, or caught in the same painful patterns. Whether it’s communication issues, rebuilding after a betrayal, or just feeling like you’re no longer on the same team, I help couples slow down, understand each other again, and rebuild trust and connection.
Hi! I am Brandi OConnell, a Licensed Independent Social Worker - Clinical Practice and a laid-back, real world therapist who believes that therapy doesn't have to be stiff or intimidating. I have over a decade of experience supporting individuals, couples and families. I believe that every person has strength within them, and I also believe that sometimes we need a little help finding it. Over my years in practice I have worked with individuals in an inpatient setting, school-based with elementary age children and families, with law enforcement and other first responders, community crisis stabilization, and most recently working to support federal government employees through life transitions. I specialize in trauma, anxiety, and relationship issues.
I enjoy incorporating humor into sessions, when appropriate. Research has proven that laughter improves mood, increases resilience, and improves overall well-being. When you come to session, I want you to feel that you can be yourself. I don't pressure or judge. My goal is to have honest conversations that will help you move forward. My work is grounded in empathy, authenticity, and collaboration. I am humbled every day by human resilience. My goal is for you to feel seen and heard.
Working with both first responders and couples has given me a unique perspective—many of the people I see are navigating both professional and relational stress. I’m here to help you sort through it, find your footing, and feel more connected in your life and relationships.
When I am not in therapy sessions, I spend a lot of time with my family and fur babies. Sometimes, my fur babies will even make an appearance in session. But, don't worry, they won't violate HIPAA. I enjoy reading, binging Netflix, listening to live music/bands, organizing anything, and drinking coffee. You will rarely see me without a cup of coffee in my hands.
License
License(s)
Education
University of South Carolina
Fees and insurance
Cost per session
$ - $Accepted payment methods
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Credit Card
Accepted credit cards
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Discover
Accepted insurance plans
- Aetna
- Out of Network
- Cigna
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield
Specialties and clinical interests
- Anger Issues
- Anxiety
- Betrayal Trauma
- Bipolar & Other Mood Disorders
- Body Image
- Bullying
- Career
- Chronic Illness
- Chronic Pain
- Depression
- Divorce & Separation
- Domestic Abuse/Violence
- Family Conflict
- Gender Identity
- Grief & Loss
- LGBTQIA+
- Law Enforcement/First Responders
- Life Coaching
- Men's Issues
- Mental Health Professionals
- Pet Loss
- Phobias & Fears
- Pre-Marital & Marital Issues
- Relationships
- Self-Esteem
- Self-Injury
- Sexual Abuse
- Sexual Identity
- Stress/Stress Management
- Suicidality
- Suicide Loss
- Trauma & PTSD
- Violence
- Women's Issues
Therapy types
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Emotional Freedom Technique
- Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Mindfulness
- Safe & Sound Protocol
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Somatic Therapy
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
Community specialties
- Trauma Survivors
- First Responders
Licensed to see clients in
Years in practice
Service types
- Therapy / Counseling
Types of clients
- Adults (18+)
- Older Adults (65+)
- Individuals
- Couples
Languages
- English
Website and social media