Pat Connelly is the owner and CEO of the Mindful Counseling Center, a therapy practice offering in-person and virtual counseling via a team of experienced therapists. In addition, Pat offers virtual and in-person therapy himself via another practice, the Relationship Institute of New Jersey.

Pat is Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who earned his master’s degree from the Virginia Commonwealth University. He has been active in the mental health community for nearly 30 years. As a social worker, therapist, care manager, supervisor, program director and counseling practice owner, he has assisted persons struggling with a wide array of life stressors and mental health problems. He has supported people in utilizing their strengths to increase their life satisfaction and capacity to cope with stressors. He has worked in a variety of care settings, including mental health clinics, community-based programs, private practices, substance abuse rehabs and hospitals.

Via his extensive clinical experiences, Pat has learned what works and what doesn’t in helping others seek and benefit from mental health services. In his role as owner and CEO of the Mindful Counseling Center, he is applying what he has learned. He is committed to increasing acceptance and understanding of mental health issues in the community by offering quality mental health care, education and support. He deeply believes that mental health concerns are best met with compassionate and skilled treatment. These principles shape the Mindful Counseling Center.

As a therapist, Pat works to help his clients address issues including but not limited to anxiety, panic, OCD, phobias, men’s issues, relationship/couples issues, depression, chronic mental illness, caregiver stress, trauma, grief and loss, and life transitions. He welcomes adult clients of all ages, gender identities, sexual orientations, abilities, ethnicities and races. He is certified as a Gottman Method Couples Therapist.

In the last several years, Pat has increased his use of mindful self-compassion as a counseling technique. He is looking forward to continuing to expand his teaching of mindfulness practices as a tool for mental health.