ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY FOR ANXIETY IN UTAH
Therapy for Women Who Are Done Pretending Everything’s Fine
A Space to Talk Through the Hard and the Real
Why The Anti-Optimist Therapist?
Because I was tired of the oversimplified, feel-good version of healing so many therapy practices tout. You know, the one where every struggle is a blessing and we’re all on a magical happiness journey.
Real life (and therapy) is much more nuanced than that.
This is a space where you can tell the truth, name what’s hard, and still move toward a life that feels meaningful.
Our practice is built on the belief that we’re all constantly recalibrating—figuring out what matters most right now and letting the rest go.
I’d be honored to help you navigate that process.
-April
April O’Neill, LCSW
We’re Not Therapy As Usual
With honest conversations and skills-based guidance, change can be as small (or radical) as you need.
A Grounded, No-Nonsense Approach
You won’t find toxic positivity or sugarcoated affirmations here. We offer direct, thoughtful guidance rooted in real conversations and evidence-based tools—not trends.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Expertise
ACT isn’t about fixing what’s “wrong.” It’s about helping you make space for what’s real, clarify what matters, and take action toward a life that aligns with your values—even when it’s hard.
Specialized Support for Anxious Overachievers
This practice is built for high-functioning women who are tired of holding it all together. We get the pressure, the overwhelm, and the desire to do life differently—and we meet you there with clarity and care.
MEET THE ANTI-OPTIMIST THERAPIST
April O’Neill, LCSW, is a mental health therapist in Salt Lake City, UT, with 8+ years of experience and a passion for helping high-achieving women like you unchain from perfectionism, stop performing, and choose what actually matters. She offers values-based, online telehealth services to women across the state of Utah.
The Start of The
Anti-Optimist Practice
April’s Story
Ironically, becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t part of the original plan. Like many of the women that I work with, I’ve managed anxiety and perfectionism from a young age and held a specific vision for my life and career that I proudly chased. And hobbies—what hobbies? But after a family member’s medical emergency in 2021, the burnout and blurred boundaries that I had built around my work became impossible to ignore. I knew something had to change.
I started The Anti-Optimist Therapist practice in 2021, and, shortly after, I became a mother—helping me understand the iterations and reprioritizing that life demands on a whole new level. That experience only deepened my belief in what I’d set out to do: offer grounded, honest support I wished I’d had—and that so many women need.
THE PRINCIPLES BEHIND THE PRACTICE
INTEGRITY OVER APPEARANCE.
We tell the truth, not just what’s trendy or marketable.
CLARITY AND OWNERSHIP.
We believe growth starts with responsibility, not blame.
COMPASSION WITH CHALLENGE.
We hold space for imperfection, while still calling people forward.
WORK THAT WORKS.
We build systems and services that support real life, not just good branding.
MEANING OVER METRICS.
We measure success by how well we help people live aligned with what matters most.
DEPTH OVER PERFORMANCE.
We go beyond the surface to do work that actually changes lives.
What We’re Talking About Lately
What We’re Talking About Lately
If Traditional Therapy Hasn’t Felt Quite Right …
The Anti-Optimist Therapist offers something different. We’re not here to fix you—we’re here to walk alongside you as you build clarity, honesty, and self-trust. If this sounds like the kind of support you’ve been craving, let’s talk.