Richard O'Connor

Richard O’Connor, M.D. is a board-certified psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and bestselling author who has written seven books on topics related to psychological growth, development, and well-being. He is best known for his books, Undoing Depression and Happy at Last. He’s also the founder of the New Haven Psychological Association, which offers psychotherapy, mental health support and education.

O'Connor was born in Manhattan and grew up in Miami, Florida. After graduating from Harvard College, he spent two years working as a National Institutes of Health-sponsored research fellow at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), then went on to study medicine at Vanderbilt University. He completed his postdoctoral training at Yale University's School of Medicine, specializing in psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. After which he worked in private practice and then held faculty posts at both the University of Massachusetts Medical School and the University of Arizona.

In 2008, he published his first book, Undoing Depression, drawing on his years of clinical practice. In it, he identifies the underlying biological foundations, as well as the psychodynamic, cognitive, and interpersonal factors, that can lead to depression. He also outlines an approach and strategies for long-term, self-directed healing from depression.

The book was an instant bestseller and attracted a large readership, a situation that repeated itself when his follow-up, Happy at Last: How to Stop Over-Thinking, Unravel the Hidden Roots of Your Neuroses, and Live the Life You Deserve was published in 2010. O’Connor outlines ways in which individuals can start to break away from the cycles of anxiety, depression, and addictive behaviors that can interfere with their ability to find peace and fulfillment.

In recent years, O’Connor has focused more on teaching, speaking, and consulting. He has taught widely in universities in the US and abroad, and has spoken widely on spiritual growth, holistic wellbeing, and the integration of science and religion. He also consults widely for organizations, corporations, and individuals all over the world.

In addition to his writing and teaching, O’Connor is a regular contributor to the Huffington Post and has written extensively on topics ranging from psychoanalysis to mindfulness. He has also been featured on NPR and CBS TV, as well as numerous other print, radio and television media outlets.

O’Connor is strongly committed to helping people heal and live the life they want, particularly by using holistic methods that look beyond medications and traditional psychotherapy. He advocates taking a proactive approach to mental health, so that individuals are not simply reacting to their circumstances, but working towards a positive outcome. This involves not only looking at the chemical imbalances that may contribute to depression and anxiety, but also exploring the emotional and spiritual roots of distress.

O’Connor’s books are easy to read and inspiring to anyone who is looking for guidance or looking to explore the underlying causes of their mental health struggles. This makes them great resources for anyone seeking to understand the underlying causes of mental health issues, as well as for those looking for guidance and support in making changes to improve their overall well-being.