I am a licensed clinician with several years of experience, and I live a life filled with adventure, joy, and compassion. I take great pride in helping others discover fulfillment in life, guiding them to learn more about themselves and embrace the intricacies of personal growth. My approach focuses on finding deeper meaning and fulfillment, rather than simply prioritizing success. Outside of my work, I enjoy travel, sports, and storytelling, which enrich my perspective and approach to helping others.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, you can expect to learn more about me and my approach, while I get to know you and your unique needs. We'll also assess whether we're a strong therapeutic fit to work together toward your goals by cultivating a plan specifically designed for you.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strengths as a provider include being warm, receptive, funny, and endearing—qualities that prior patients and even my mom have used to describe me. I strive to create an environment where we can learn, laugh, and sometimes even cry together as we navigate the complexities of life. I am highly receptive to feedback and committed to continuously learning and adopting new tools to best serve your unique needs, ensuring that our work together is both effective and meaningful.
About Sean Phelan
Specializes in
Licensed in
Accepts cash
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have utilized CBT over several years to explore and understand the intricate interactions between thoughts, beliefs, and actions. I tailor my approach to address the specific issues each client presents, whether they are dealing with anxiety, depression, or other challenges. Central to my work is cognitive reframing, where I help clients move away from preconceived notions or automatic thinking patterns that may be unhelpful or distorted. Through this process, I guide patients in evaluating the evidence for their thoughts, encouraging them to critically assess their assumptions and beliefs. By developing new, more balanced perspectives, we create more constructive and adaptive ways of thinking, leading to healthier emotional responses and behaviors.
Motivational Interviewing
I incorporate Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a client-centered, goal-oriented therapeutic approach designed to foster independence, enhance confidence, and ignite the drive needed to reach an individual's full potential. MI emphasizes collaboration, where I work with clients in a non-judgmental and empathetic way to explore their own motivations for change. Key aspects of MI, such as expressing empathy, developing discrepancy between current behaviors and desired goals, and rolling with resistance, allow clients to reflect on their values and the reasons they want to make positive changes. By using open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summarizing, I help individuals increase their self-efficacy and strengthen their commitment to change, empowering them to take ownership of their decisions and progress toward achieving their goals. Through this approach, I guide clients in building intrinsic motivation, cultivating confidence, and tapping into their inner resources to overcome barriers and reach their full potential.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I have extensive experience working with the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and court systems, collaborating closely with these agencies to provide trauma-informed care for children and families navigating complex legal and protective circumstances. TF-CBT’s key components, such as psychoeducation, relaxation techniques, cognitive restructuring, and trauma narrative, are integral to my approach. I help clients understand the effects of trauma, manage distressing emotions, and reframe negative beliefs associated with their experiences. Through the creation of a trauma narrative, clients can safely process and make sense of their traumatic experiences. By incorporating these TF-CBT strategies, I guide clients toward developing healthier coping mechanisms, enhancing their sense of safety, and fostering resilience as they work through their trauma and move toward recovery.