Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Valrico, FL

Therapy with me is very human and genuine. I don’t just focus on what’s painful or stuck but help to highlight the ways in which my clients overcome life's punches. While I take this work seriously, I believe laughter can be healing and disarming in therapy.

I earned my Master’s degree in Counselor Education from Florida International University and have worked in a variety of settings, including the foster care system, residential treatment, and community mental health. My background includes supporting individuals navigating trauma, persistent mental health conditions, substance use, eating disorders, and major life transitions. I’ve also worked with veterans, individuals who are unhoused, and LGBTQIA2S+ clients.

In my practice, I work with clients experiencing anxiety, panic, depression, trauma, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I also support clients with PTSD, some OCD presentations, and concerns related to gender, sexuality, and queer identity. My work is trauma-informed, affirming, and rooted in helping clients feel both emotionally safe and genuinely understood.

I provide virtual therapy for clients in Connecticut and Florida. My primary specialty is anxiety and related disorders. I teach my clients applicable coping skills to help manage emotions better. I also help my clients to improve self-esteem, learn to set boundaries, and reach their goals in life. You don’t have to have the perfect words, the perfect mood, or the perfect version of yourself when you show up. Simply come as you are.

I specialize in working with adults experiencing a variety of anxiety disorders, including panic attacks, generalized anxiety, and phobias, as well as adults with ADHD. I also support clients who have difficulty regulating emotions and navigating the impact these patterns can have on relationships. Many of my clients are thoughtful, insightful, and self-aware, yet feel stuck in exhausting cycles of fear, reassurance-seeking, self-doubt, and overstimulation. You may feel like you know better, but anxiety continues to run the show. I aim to create a space where you feel understood, safe, and able to show up exactly as you are.

Hi, I'm Dr. Clay Connelly, but please just call me "Clay." I'm a licensed professional counselor with over 15 years of experience working with teens and adults facing anxiety, depression, anger, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, and other emotional concerns. Clients often describe me as approachable, down-to-earth, and easy to talk to. My goal is to create an environment where you feel comfortable being yourself while also helping you make meaningful progress toward your goals.

I believe therapy should be both supportive and practical. In our work together, we'll focus not only on understanding what you're experiencing but also on developing skills and strategies you can use in everyday life. Whether you're seeking short-term support or longer-term personal growth, I strive to provide a respectful, collaborative, and nonjudgmental therapeutic experience.