Boise Ridge Wellness
About Me
My name is Ian O'connor and I am a master's level clinician practicing in Boise, Idaho. I provide in person and telehealth appointments for those seeking psychotherapy.
I have always been passionate about helping others identify problems in their lives and relationships that may be holding them back from realizing and reaching their potential. My areas of specialty include working with teens and young adults who experience mood instability, men's issues, substance abuse, and those who have experienced trauma.
I am versed in cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, internal family systems, motivational interviewing, mindfulness based stress reduction, and acceptance and commitment therapy. I have used and continue to use these modalities to help others work their way through life's difficulties.
My experience and knowledge surrounding mental health treatment comes from obtaining a Master's Degree in Social Work and a bachelor's degree in sociology with an emphasis in criminology. I have also worked with teens and adults in inpatient psychiatric settings for more than 6 years and have worked with those in crisis in local emergency departments. In addition to this education and experience, I am a recovering alcoholic of 17 years and understand the stress and uncertainty that is often felt when one gets sober at a young age.
Outside of the office, I enjoy skiing, backpacking, fishing, baking, cooking, weightlifting, and spending time with friends and family.
.jpg)
.jpg)
On occasion or by request, I may have my dog, Toby with me at the office. He's an 11-year-old pug mix and is extremely friendly with others and loves attention.
In the event that you would not like him present in your session I can have him step out of the room. After each session that Toby is present for, the office is vacuumed and cleaned to maintain an environment that has minimal to no allergens.
Core Componants of my Therapeutic Approach
Holistic and Person Centered
The holistic and human centered approach to therapy allows the client to decide what they want to achieve in therapy and allows the therapist to guide them in a non-directive and non-authoritative manner. This approach utilizes client's spiritual, emotional, physical, and cognitive componants to promote treatment of them as an entire person instead of simply simply treating the problem that they sought therapy for. This approach also emphasizes the client's capability to make necessary changes.
Trauma Informed
Providing a trauma informed approach to treatment promotes the belief that the client has experienced a traumatic event or multiple traumatic events that may be impacting their mental and/or their physical health. Taking this approach allows me to consider the cause of certain behaviors, provide support, provide appropriate treatment, and take steps to avoid re-traumatizing, and treat the client regardless of the original complaint that brought them to therapy.
The Therapeutic Relationship
Numerous studies have proven that one of the most important factors in achieving success in therapy. The therapeutic relationship is built on trust, transparency, respect, empathy, and support for the client. Without these factors being present, it is highly unlikely that the client would be comfortable engaging with the therapist on an emotionally vulnerable level, which would most likely result in unsuccessful treatment.
As a therapist, I show up for my clients in an authentic manner. Sometimes this can cause friction and prevent the therapeutic alliance from forming. I am not a good fit for every client, and in those circumstances, I will refer clients to a therapist who meets their needs and preferences.
Eclectic Approach
Emotional distress, teenage years, or the uncertainty of embarking on a new journey can be intimidating and overwhelming. I approach each client's concerns with a focus on helping them find relief, solutions, and empowerment. I do not do this by using one singular modality to intervene and treat, but by implementing separate parts from different modalities. This approach leads to behavioral changes and healing of emotional wounds that may be causing the problem. Frequent modalities that I use or draw from are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), mindfulness based stress reduction (MBSR), and internal family systems (IFS).
Contact Information
Call or text: (208) 639-2804
Email: Boiseridgewellness@gmail.com
5828 North Garden Center Way
Boise, Idaho 83703
