Kathleen O’Shea
Kathleen O’Shea, Ph.D., earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology with a minor in Hispanic Studies, graduating summa cum laude and earning memberships in Phi Beta Kappa, Mortar Board, and Psi Chi National Psychology Honor Societies. She completed her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, where her clinical and research training emphasized social justice, trauma recovery, and cultural identity development. She went on to complete her predoctoral internship at the University of Michigan’s Counseling & Psychological Services and her postdoctoral residency at Michigan State University’s Counseling & Psychiatric Services.
Dr. O’Shea’s professional experience includes work in university counseling centers, the VA, and community mental health settings. She is currently a member of the American Psychological Association and participates in the Society for Counseling Psychology and the Society for the Psychology of Women. Dr. O’Shea is trained as a generalist with specialized expertise in treating complex trauma, dissociation, and anxiety, particularly within LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. In addition to individual therapy, she provides psychological assessment, couples and family therapy, group therapy, and consultation/supervision. She has worked with individuals across the lifespan, with her primary focus on adolescents, young adults, and midlife adults. She is trained in Animal Assisted Therapy and is able to work with Lexie in sessions with her clients. Dr. O’Shea values both in-person and virtual care and is passionate about community outreach and education.
Based in Brighton, Dr. O’Shea appreciates living near the lake and her family. She enjoys traveling, exploring nature, kayaking, sharing good food with loved ones, and unwinding with a favorite show.
Clinical Approach
Dr. O’Shea approaches therapy with warmth, authenticity, and collaboration, centering flexibility and curiosity in her work. She tailors treatment to each client’s goals, values, and lived experiences, drawing from evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and trauma-focused interventions, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and exposure-based therapies.
Her practice is grounded in multicultural, feminist, and relational frameworks, with a strong commitment to supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals, survivors of interpersonal violence, and those navigating trauma recovery, identity development, and life transitions. Dr. O’Shea emphasizes creating a safe, affirming, and empowering space where clients feel seen and supported as they move toward healing and growth. She is especially passionate about helping clients deepen self-trust, cultivate self-compassion, and build nervous system awareness. Dr. O’Shea finds joy in cozy spaces, meaningful conversation, and learning through media, movement, and community. She believes therapy should be both grounding and expansive—and that healing is most powerful in connection.
CREDENTIALS
PhD, Fully Licensed Psychologist
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