Mark O'Connell

I hold a few roles within the Apricot Centre CIC. I am a Process Oriented Psychologist both in the capacity as a UKCP registered Child Psychotherapist and Adult Psychotherapist.

I am a Registered Service Manager of the Wellbeing Service and a Director of the Apricot Centre with previous experience managing NHS services for adopted and looked after children and working as a therapist in children's homes, I have 29 years of experience working therapeutically with all ages, as well as with families and community groups. 

I am passionate to develop relevant wellbeing approaches which engage, motivate and empower people. I AM inspired by Dr Arnold Mindell’s work in Process Oriented Psychology and linking this with other approaches in the fields of attachment, trauma, neurobiology,  ecopsychology, and systems theory, I am developing a wide range of approaches to wellbeing which use nature connection, play, dreaming, creativity, movement and community resilience. I am working to build good relationships towards developing wellbeing/livelihood projects with BAME communities including Asylum Seekers and Refugees in Plymouth, Devon and East Anglia. I value diversity as fundamental to wellbeing and sustainability at all levels, and my therapeutic approach and leadership style hopes reflect this.

In my spare time, I frequently walk up Yarner Beacon, and learn Batik using wax and natural dyes from local sources. I am currently cut-off from my songwriting and music making, and aspect of my own diversity which I hope to reconnect with.