Dr. Gloria Fennell , LICSW, LCSW

Dr. Gloria Fennell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who brings extensive clinical training and practical experience to her work. She holds both LICSW and LCSW credentials - LICSW meaning Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and LCSW meaning Licensed Clinical Social Worker - and completed a Ph.D. in Clinical Social Work. Early in her career she trained and worked as a Registered Nurse (RN) in trauma settings and went on to earn a Master of Social Work (MSW).

Her professional path has included roles in schools, community mental health, and private practice, and she spent two decades teaching social work at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This combination of direct clinical work, nursing experience, and academic teaching informs a broad, well-rounded perspective on care. Dr. Fennell approaches clinical work from a strengths-based orientation, collaborating with clients to choose interventions that fit their needs and circumstances. She emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as central to progress and recognizes that asking for help is often one of the hardest steps.

Her style is grounded, empathetic, and collaborative, with an emphasis on building on existing strengths while addressing the challenges that bring people to therapy.

Therapeutic approaches adapted for online care

Dr. Gloria Fennell draws on several evidence-based approaches that translate well to remote formats. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values, accept difficult thoughts and feelings, and commit to actions that align with what matters to them - it is useful for stress, anxiety, and navigating life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors to relieve symptoms and build practical coping skills, often used for anxiety and depression. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, active listening, and a nonjudgmental stance so clients can explore themselves at their own pace and find internal resources for change.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Dr. Fennell works collaboratively with clients and with other licensed professionals when appropriate to determine which methods best fit a person’s needs, goals, and preferences, and she adjusts strategies as the work progresses.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - clients can connect via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit their schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access consistent care, continue work between sessions, and engage in therapy from different settings while working with experienced therapists.