Licensed Clinical Psychologist |  California: PSY34498

Dyan E. Connelly, PhD

My Philosophy & Approach

A big part of my work happens in what I think of as the space between — the subtle, powerful territory where closeness, trust, and understanding can grow…or where fear, anxiety, and defensiveness can quietly take over. Therapy with me is about noticing what happens there, filling it with honesty, empathy, and openness, and gently easing the hold of old fears so that anxiety softens, relationships deepen, and new possibilities emerge.

In our work together, we’ll look at the places where disconnection most often shows up:

  • the space between us and ourselves,

  • the space between us and others, and

  • the space between us and the lives we want to live.

Ultimately, this is the heart of my approach: identifying the gaps, strengthening the connections, and finding new ways to move forward. Together, we’ll work on bridging the space between.

Bridging the Space Between

the space between us & ourselves

Stress, trauma, and daily demands can pull us out of our bodies and away from our values, leaving us disconnected from who we are and what really matters. Research shows that rebuilding mind–body awareness and reconnecting with our values are essential for resilience and well-being.

In our work, we’ll slow down to notice what your body is telling you, make room for emotions without judgment, and explore identity in a way that feels true to you…your culture, your background, your lived experiences, and the priorities that are uniquely yours. Together, we’ll rebuild connection through practices like breath awareness and grounding, while also clarifying the values that anchor your life. Over time, this helps you feel more present, more at home in yourself, and more aligned with a life that reflects who you truly are.

the space between us & others

I believe the space between people is where meaning lives. It’s in the way we listen, care, show up, and engage with one another. Research on attachment, intimacy, and positivity resonance shows that small moments of connection (i.e., eye contact, shared laughter, a pause to really listen) can deepen trust and closeness. In our work together, we’ll focus on strengthening vulnerability, softening defenses, and creating the openness needed for authentic, fulfilling relationships. This might include practicing strategies for building positivity resonance, communicating and managing conflict more effectively, and shifting from a “you vs I” stance to a stronger sense of “we.”

At the same time, intimacy requires discernment. We’ll fine-tune your “trust detector” and learn how to recognize when it’s safe to lean in and when boundaries are needed. Together, we’ll practice expressing needs clearly, setting boundaries with confidence, and discerning red flags without losing hope for closeness. Over time, this creates space for deeper intimacy, healthier trust, and relationships that feel more grounded, reciprocal, and sustaining.

The Space Between Us & the Life We Want

What often keeps us from the life we want isn’t a lack of knowing. It’s fear and anxiety. Our minds tell us to stay safe, wait until we feel ready, or avoid risk. But avoidance only makes the gap wider.

In therapy, we’ll shift those patterns by clarifying what matters most and taking small, meaningful steps toward it, even when anxiety shows up. We’ll work with the thought patterns that keep you stuck, the self-doubt, the “what ifs,” the harsh inner voice, and build skills to relate to them differently so they don’t dictate your choices. Using evidence-based approaches like acceptance and commitment therapy, gradual exposure, and behavioral activation, we’ll strengthen the skills and confidence to move forward. The goal isn’t to eliminate fear, but to change your relationship with it so it no longer runs your life. Step by step, the space between where you are and where you want to be begins to close.