Why should you choose ME, over anyone else? That is the burning question. As I sit here and try to think of all the ways to possibly distinguish myself in comparison to my peers and colleagues, one specific thing comes to mind: the exact moment that I knew I wanted to be a therapist. My life’s trials and tribulations have put me in a strangely unique position in regard to understanding and empathizing with much of what is thrown at many of us, and it is because of that, that I found strength in my weaknesses and lowest moments. Readjusting to life after deployments, after the military, after divorce and growing pains and heartache, was a monumentally transitional period of my life, and my therapist bared the brunt of my pain with compassion and grace. In my very last session, I looked him in the eyes and said: “I want to do what you’re doing. I want to help people the way that you’ve helped me. I’ve been on this side of the table – now I want to be on that side.” So, what’re my credentials, expertise, focus and treatment approaches? Credentials: MSW, LICSW (WA), LCSW (HI, TN, TX) Expertise: My background and personal experience of the military and with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) ensure that I have a good handling on trauma and know all too well the burdens of Veterans that come with serving your country during war, as well as in the aftermath. Beyond that, I specialize and have experience with anger management, mood disorders, thought disorders, personality disorders, anxiety, social anxiety, depression, grief, eating disorders, self-esteem issues. Approaches: I clinically find myself utilizing a psychodynamic approach to therapy with my clients. I believe we are who we are today based on the many influences we had in our lives, especially in those formidable early childhood years. Oftentimes, we can find the source of your current concerns today by processing how you originally developed your core values and beliefs. These roots run deeper than we typically ever realize without therapy. If you choose to work with me, we will naturally dive deeper into what this may mean for you. The path of healing is not an easy road, nor a short one. Doing the work takes gusto, but I believe that you have it inside of you, and I believe that I am the one for the job to aid in your process and growth. I hope to hear from you soon!!! Respectfully, Sean
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Your first session will be an intake session and can expect me to cover multiple areas of your life that are important to you and to therapy. I will listen with grace as you tell your story which will help me make a couple of different decisions: 1- Do you present with a clinical need for mental health therapy? 2- Do I have the expertise and experience to be able to help you with your concerns. If I make a decision to work with you then I have answered "Yes" to both my questions and will be move forward with scheduling. If not, I will help to provide you with resources and contacts that you can use to move forward to find the right person to help you.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I feel that one of the biggest strengths that I use is my ability to build rapport with people from the moment that I meet with them. I am open, honest, and real with my clients which helps me connect to them and to the issues in life that bring them to find help through therapy. I also know what it is like to be in therapy which helps me establish empathy for my clients. I know what it is like to be scared, to be fearful, to address life's difficulties. Sitting on both sides of the chairs will help me connect with you, understand you and ultimately help me help you! Many of my own life experiences have shaped me to be who I am today as a clinical therapist and they have led me to firmly believe and accept that I am "Perfectly Imperfect."
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
Adults 18+, Military Veterans/Spouses and Active-Duty Military/Spouses
About Sean T. Lanegan, MSW, LCSW, CCTP
Sean T. Lanegan, MSW, LCSW, CCTP offers therapy covered by Parkland Community Health Plan - Medicaid in Texas.
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
My approach to CBT is strong on skills-based psychoeducation and implementation to affect change in a person's life. Using a psychodynamic approach with skills-based interventions I gently guide and assist clients to begin investing in change through making changes to their negative thoughts, their hard-feelings and to their... sometimes ... very scary behaviors. Combining a psychodynamic and existential approach to treatment we find meaning to their life and find new meaning. The gained insight into the past helps them find hope for change and a better future. Skills-based psychoeducation is taught, reinforced and discussed in depth in sessions and I provide needed detail on how to implement the skills, when needed, into their life to help them find emotional regulation.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I love using the DBT approach that Dr. Linehan created that reinforces CBT theory but in a way that helps my client's better handle the relationships they are in and how these relationships affect their emotional self and negative behaviors. We implement theory plus strong kills-based interventions to your relationships and invent ways to implement them. Mindfulness practices is an area that I talk a lot about to help clients develop needed self-regulation skills and I reinforce this in most every session with examples and gentle encouragements to implement a mindful life, staying present and managing the "Wise-Mind" effectively.
Couples Counseling
I generally use a combination of CBT skills and strategies along with the principles of the Gottman Method. I am credentialed to have access to the Gottman treatment portal where I am able to enroll a couple into the Gottman treatment program (https://gottmanconnect.com/). Theories are discussed, videos are assigned to watch as homework, assessments will be used to develop insight into the relationship and lots of talk therapy in session to bring understanding to some of the methods of finding hope and love again in the relationship. Psychotherapy is conducted on methods and used in session to help foster use in between sessions. Some of the areas we touch on are the Sound Relationship House, the 4 Horseman of the Apocalypse, The Rapaport and Dreams Within Conflict approaches, and the Speaker-Listener skills.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
After several sessions of talk therapy to get a good understanding of a client's trauma I will assess them for the diagnosis of PTSD or ASD. After diagnosis, I treat the client's trauma head on using an evidenced-based, along with a personal-based, approach to managing the symptoms of PTSD, such as, exposure, intrusion, avoidance, negative alterations and arousal symptoms. Using exposure therapy through in vivo or imaginal exposure takes an absolute commitment to using a direct approach to treat your trauma and it is not for the faint at heart. I am living proof that this specific intervention can change your life for the better after going through the worst day(s) of your life.
Polyvagal Therapy
As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), much of my treatment for trauma is also based on the therapeutic approach that focuses on using mindfulness activities that help to regulate the client's autonomic nervous system. Specifically, learning how to activate the body's "Vagus" nerve to promote relaxation, self-regulation and to improve social connections. Understanding how to activate the vagus nerve to manage trauma symptoms takes a behavioral approach to compliment the psychological approach to Prolonged Exposure Therapy. In fact, part of the Prolonged Exposure intervention is directly invested into the polyvagal theory of treating trauma!!!!!