Mark Farrell O'Brien, MS, LCPC, CADC

Feeling unsure how to handle life, school, work, or relationships? You’re not alone and you’re not failing. Men between 18 and 35 are often navigating some of the most demanding years of their lives, with pressure to succeed, stay strong, and have it all figured out. I help men break through anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, or substance struggles so they can take control, build confidence, and live life on their own terms. Early adulthood can bring uncertainty around identity, purpose, and direction. You may be questioning who you are, what matters to you, or whether you’re on the “right” path. Career concerns, financial stress, managing bills or other adult responsibilities, academic pressure, or feeling unfulfilled in a job can leave you feeling behind or unsure of your next move. Therapy offers a space to slow things down, gain clarity, and make intentional decisions aligned with your values. Relationships can also feel complicated during this stage of life. Many men struggle with dating anxiety, breakups, commitment concerns, or feeling lonely. You may find it hard to build or maintain close friendships, navigate family expectations, or communicate openly in romantic or sexual relationships. In therapy, we work on understanding patterns, building healthier communication, and developing more fulfilling connections. Anxiety, depression, and stress are common even if you’ve learned to hide them well. You might feel constantly on edge, stuck in your head, unmotivated, or emotionally numb. Past experiences such as trauma, loss, or major life disruptions can continue to impact you in ways you don’t fully understand. Therapy can help you process these experiences, regulate emotions, and develop tools to manage stress more effectively. Substance use and coping habits often show up as ways to manage pressure or escape discomfort. Whether alcohol, drugs, gaming, porn or technology have started to feel hard to control, therapy provides a nonjudgmental space to look honestly at what’s happening. We focus on increasing awareness, reducing harm, and building healthier coping strategies that actually work in real life. Many men were never taught how to express emotions or ask for support. You may struggle with anger, irritability, impulsivity, perfectionism, or harsh self-criticism. Together, we work on emotional awareness, confidence, and practical skills so you can respond to challenges instead of reacting to them. My approach to therapy is practical, direct, and collaborative. Along with emotional support, we focus on problem-solving, skill-building, and creating measurable change. This isn’t about endlessly talking in circles, it’s about understanding what’s holding you back and learning how to move forward with confidence and purpose. Clients often report feeling calmer, more grounded, and more in control of their lives. They gain clarity about their direction, improve relationships, reduce anxiety and stress, and build self-respect. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent work, it does happen. You don’t have to figure this out on your own. If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start building a life that feels like yours, I invite you to reach out and schedule a consultation to see if we’re a good fit.