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.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

I utilize several different approaches to providing therapy and counseling to individuals. I believe that our psychological problems result from the present-day influences of unconscious psychological drives or motivations stemming from childhood, past relationships and experiences (Psychodynamic Theory). I also believe in the Cognitive and Behavioral approach that teaches us how our life experiences affect how we think, and how we feel, and certainly shape how we behave. Specifically, I can deliver the following treatment methods: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Anxiety, Depression, Insomnia and Chronic Pain Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT) for Emotional Regulation, Distress Tolerance, Interpersonal Effectiveness and Mindfulness Skills and Strategies Prolonged Exposure (PE) for Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

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."

About West Texas Therapy and Counseling Services, PLLC, Sean Lanegan, LCSW (HI, TN, TX), LICSW (WA)