CBTTherapistsUSA

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

SH Portrait of Seán Harrington

Seán Harrington

Experienced LCSW focusing on practical change

LCSW California

Experience
26 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing
Languages
English

About Seán

Seán Harrington is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in California with 26 years of practice helping people navigate stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, family conflicts, parenting challenges, and related life transitions.

Background and approach

He brings sustained experience addressing concerns such as grief, depression, addiction, self-esteem, intimacy-related issues, career and workplace struggles, compassion fatigue, ADHD, and problems that arise from adoption, fostering, or family-of-origin dynamics. Seán creates an open, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings and work toward practical change.

His work draws on evidence-informed methods including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients clarify goals, identify unhelpful patterns, and build skills for coping and decision-making. He encourages clients to take manageable steps and to reflect on progress between sessions.

Approachable and steady, Seán aims to meet people where they are and collaborate on strategies that fit individual needs. He recognizes that beginning therapy takes courage and offers supportive guidance to help clients move forward at a pace that feels right for them.

Approaches That Guide Online Work

Seán integrates practical, evidence-informed methods into online work to help clients address specific problems and build new skills. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify and adjust unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns; it often helps with anxiety, depression, and stress by teaching concrete strategies for managing symptoms. Motivational Interviewing focuses on strengthening a client's own motivation to change through collaborative conversation and is useful for addressing ambivalence around behaviors such as substance use or other habit changes.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Seán discusses goals and preferences with each person and adapts techniques from these approaches to fit the client’s needs and pace, reviewing progress together and adjusting the plan as needed.

Online sessions are offered as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for varied schedules and comfort levels. These formats allow clients to access therapy from home or other convenient locations, making it easier to maintain consistency while working on goals between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Seán commonly address?
He works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, family conflicts, parenting, self-esteem, addictions, grief, intimacy-related issues, career and workplace problems, depression, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue.
What therapeutic approaches does he use?
His practice incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients set goals, change patterns, and strengthen coping skills.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 26 years of professional experience working with individuals on family, trauma, and related concerns.
Where is he licensed to practice?
He is a licensed clinical social worker in California with the credential CA LCSW 88213.
Does he offer services in other languages or to international clients?
He provides services in English and is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats are available?
Sessions are available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences.
How are fees and payments handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem

Also works with

Additional focus areas

Adoption and foster careCaregiver issues and stressFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessMen's issuesSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexualityWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingSolution-Focused Therapy

Experience

26+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English