Rooted Wellness
Psychotherapy & Counseling
Compassionate, evidence-based therapy for adults navigating anxiety, relationships, life transitions, and the quiet weight of everyday struggle.
About me
"Therapy is not about being fixed — it is about being understood."
I'm Gara O'Neil, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience helping adults find clarity, resilience, and connection. My work is grounded in warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for each person's unique story.
I draw from a range of evidence-based approaches — including CBT, ACT, and psychodynamic therapy — always tailoring our work to what fits you best. Together, we'll move at a pace that feels right.
I see clients in my office in Wexford, PA and via secure telehealth, and I welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life.
Areas of focus
You don't need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many people come simply because they want to understand themselves better, feel less alone, or build a life that feels more like their own.
Racing thoughts, persistent worry, and the exhaustion of always being "on." We'll work to loosen anxiety's grip and rebuild a sense of ease.
Patterns in how you connect with others — family, partners, colleagues. Understanding these patterns is the first step to shifting them.
Career changes, loss, identity shifts, becoming a parent. Transitions can unsettle us; therapy can help you find your footing.
A persistent flatness, a sense of going through the motions. Together we'll gently explore what's underneath and begin to move through it.
Difficult experiences that still live in the body or the mind. Trauma-informed care at a pace that always feels safe and within your control.
Sometimes there's no single problem — just a desire to know yourself more deeply and live with greater intention and self-compassion.
How it works
A 20-minute phone call to talk through what's bringing you in and see whether we might be a good fit. No pressure, no commitment.
We take our time getting to know each other. You share at your own pace and what feels right. Together we'll identify and plan goals for your treatment.
Weekly or biweekly sessions tailored to your goals. We regularly check in on how things are going and adjust as you grow.
What clients say
For the first time in years, I feel like I actually understand why I do the things I do. Gara creates a space where I can be completely honest.
I came in very skeptical. Now I can't imagine having navigated my divorce without this work. Quietly life-changing.
Gara never makes me feel judged. She remembers everything, asks exactly the right questions, and always lets me lead.
Common questions
You don't need to be in crisis. Many people come to therapy simply because they feel stuck, want to understand themselves better, or sense that something isn't quite right — even if they can't name it. If you're curious about therapy, that curiosity alone is a good enough reason to reach out.
The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other. I'll ask some questions about what brought you in, your background, and what you're hoping to get from therapy — but there's no pressure to share more than you're ready to. It's also an opportunity for you to ask me anything and see how it feels to work together.
It depends on what you're working on and what feels right for you. Some people come for a focused period of 12–16 sessions around a specific issue. Others find ongoing therapy valuable for years. We'll talk about your goals early on and check in regularly about how things are progressing.
Yes — I'm in-network with several major insurance providers including Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, BlueCross and BlueShield, Cigna and Evernorth, Highmark, Optum, and UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH. I also offer a sliding scale fee for clients who are uninsured or underinsured, so please don't let cost be a reason not to reach out. We can talk through options on our consultation call.
Yes. I offer secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions for clients who prefer to meet remotely. Many clients find telehealth just as effective as in-person work — sometimes even more comfortable, since you're in your own space.
Absolutely. Everything you share in our sessions is strictly confidential. There are a small number of legal exceptions — such as situations involving imminent risk of harm — which I'll explain fully at the start of our work. Beyond those rare circumstances, what you tell me stays between us.
The relationship between a therapist and client is one of the most important factors in whether therapy works. If after a few sessions you feel we're not clicking, please tell me. I won't take it personally — I'll help you find someone who might be a better fit. Your growth matters more than my schedule.
Get in touch
Reaching out takes courage. Send me a message and I'll be in touch within one business day. Everything you share is completely confidential.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or experiencing an emergency, please reach out to one of these resources immediately. Support is available 24/7.