Marie Connelly
Licensed Therapist, MA, LMHC
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My approach to OCD therapy, in one word is collaborative. You are the expert on you, and I am the expert on exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. Together, we can make a world of difference. ERP isn't easy—we'll be challenging fears and engaging with OCD differently—but I know that if we work together, your life will change for the better. I practice ERP skills myself every day and have noticed how much of a difference it makes in my life. In addition to OCD, I specialize in neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, and IDD populations.
My approach to OCD therapy, in one word is collaborative. You are the expert on you, and I am the expert on exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. Together, we can make a world of difference. ERP isn't easy—we'll be challenging fears and engaging with OCD differently—but I know that if we work together, your life will change for the better. I practice ERP skills myself every day and have noticed how much of a difference it makes in my life. In addition to OCD, I specialize in neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+ issues, trauma, and IDD populations.
Location
Licensed in New York
About
Clinical Expertise
OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Phobias, Body dysmorphic disorder, Skin picking, Hair pulling, Nail biting, Tics, Children and Adolescents
LGBTQ+ affirming
Cultural competencies
Atheism, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism
Education
St. John FISHER COLLEGE
Insurance
Plans accepted by Marie
Aetna, Ascension SmartHealth, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont, Cigna, ClaimDOC, Claritev (MultiPlan) PHCS, Curative, Forest County Potawatomi, GEHA, Horizon BCBS, Independence Blue Cross, Medical Mutual, Meritain Health, Partners Direct Health, UHC Student Services, UMR, UMR - The Alliance, United Health Care Student Services, United Healthcare,
Want to work with Marie?
Talk with our team to learn more.
Get to know Marie
My personal connection to OCD and mental health
OCD is shockingly common. I didn't realize how many people in my life had OCD until I started working as an OCD therapist. As I learned more about OCD and anxiety-based disorders and how deeply they affect people, I began having more conversations with people in my own life about their experiences and the challenges they've overcome. Knowing what it's like to support someone as a loved one allows me to connect more deeply with my Members.
How my background shapes how I connect with Members
I was born and raised in Belgium, a very small country, and I often identified more with American culture. Growing up in a space where who I was felt different is something many people with OCD or anxiety disorders experience, too. That shared understanding creates a deeper connection and allows for more meaningful work together. Additionally, navigating differences in communication styles and worldviews helped me learn to connect with people who see the world differently or express themselves differently.
How I create a safe, supportive environment in therapy
Therapy isn't effective if people don't feel safe. My primary responsibility is to help my Members feel like they can explore difficult things with me and know that I have their back, regardless of what their journey looks like. I try to be consistent, available, supportive, and empathetic so people feel secure. I'm open to feedback and want to make sure I truly understand and address what's being shared. There's nothing someone could say that I would be judgmental of or shocked by. At this point in my career, I've heard just about everything.
How we work together in therapy
It's important to me that my Members set the pace of treatment. I often say that you're in the driver's seat—you choose how fast we go and where we go. I'm alongside you, offering guidance and direction, but ultimately, it's your choice. That sense of empowerment—being collaborative and supporting independent decision-making—helps people feel safe and confident in therapy.
Why our members love working with Marie
K.F.
Good experienceMarie is the best. Starting therapy and continuing sessions with Marie has genuinely been life changing for me. Marie makes me feel heard, seen, and cared about despite the disturbing thoughts OCD throws at me. She helps me feel confident and capable of dealing with OCD symptoms and has equipped me with all the strategies and resources I need to continue conquering OCD. She is genuine, sincere, and communicates so well so I never feel like I am left hanging trying to figure things out on my own. I could not be more grateful for her and appreciate her approach to navigating OCD.
K.F.
Good experienceEvery session with Marie has been truly life changing. She’s helped me more than I ever thought this process of therapy ever could. She helps you gain confidence in yourself again without giving the reassurance OCD begs for. She helps me navigate every situation my OCD throws at me. I couldn’t have become a conquerer without her guidance. She is very knowledgeable and genuine. It is not just simply doing an exposure and the session is over. She provides tools and resources to help you manage your experience with OCD. She truly cares for clients and makes you feel comfortable sharing the most uncomfortable things OCD may throw at you. She has been tremendously helpful in teaching me how to take my life back and out of the grip of OCD.
E.B.
Good experienceMarie and NOCD have changed everything for me. Before finding NOCD, my life was being run by my OCD thoughts and I didnt even realize it. Marie first helped me understand when and how my symptoms were showing up, with some examples of how to combat it. Once I saw all the aspects of my life that OCD was affecting, we started attacking them one at a time. I had no prior knowledge of ERP and Marie did a great job explaining the process and encouraging me even when I found it difficult. She's super flexible in addressing whatever comes up for me in session, which has allowed me to practice exposures that directly apply to a situation I'm facing or about to face in real life. I'd also like to call out how responsive she is. She'll send encouraging messages in between sessions unprompted, and whenever I need to reach out I always get a kind and positive answer. A year ago, OCD wasn't even on my radar as I tried to figure out why my mental health was suffering. Now I feel like a different person, and that is all thanks to Marie and NOCD!
M.D.
Good experienceMarie creates a compassionate and supportive environment where you feel comfortable talking about what your ocd tells you you have to hide. Because of this, therapy sessions with her become a space that helps conquer OCD and regain a life that is values-based instead of fear-based. So grateful I found her and that she’s my therapist!!
C.M.
Good experienceMarie is the best. So personable and kind. Cannot begin to express how thankful I am for the progress I’ve made in only a few sessions. I feel like a new person. Give that girl a raise. 11/10
M.M.
Good experienceMarie is amazing. She helped me challenge my OCD at my own pace. She was supportive and helped to push me to be successful, while also being compassionate and helping me to build my confidence.
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