PuttingFamilyFirst

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SH Portrait of Seán Harrington
Online therapist

Seán Harrington

Support for family stress and parenting

Credentials
LCSW
Experience
26 years
Licensed in
California
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Seán

Seán Harrington is a licensed clinical social worker with 26 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, family concerns, trauma and parenting challenges. He offers a calm, nonjudgmental presence and focuses on practical ways to address what feels overwhelming right now. He emphasizes clear communication and simple steps parents and adults can try between sessions.

In sessions he creates space for open conversation about feelings, worries, and difficult memories.

Background and approach

He listens first, then helps clients identify small, realistic goals and strategies they can use day to day. Techniques may include examining unhelpful thoughts, setting achievable tasks, and building on strengths that are already present. Seán draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy to shape brief, action-oriented work when that is useful.

He adapts his approach to each person’s needs and pace rather than following a single formula. Over time the aim is to reduce distress and improve coping in family life and personal relationships. He practices in California and speaks English.

Seán recognizes that starting therapy can feel hard and he encourages people to take that first step when they are ready. He works to make sessions understandable and practical, so progress can feel manageable. Background and approach: Seán’s background includes long-term clinical work with clients facing parenting stress, family conflict, trauma, grief, and related issues.

He helps clients break problems into smaller parts and build on what already works. His style is straightforward and supportive, with attention to measurable steps and usable tools families and adults can try between meetings.

How these approaches work online

Seán commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy in online work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and stress by teaching concrete skills to handle difficult moments. Solution-Focused Therapy zeroes in on what is already working and builds small, practical steps toward the client’s goals. It can be helpful when clients want focused, goal-driven sessions.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with each person about their needs, goals, and what feels most comfortable. That collaborative process helps pick techniques that match the client’s situation and pace rather than following one fixed method.

Online therapy offers flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy family schedules and to continue support from home. The variety of formats also allows switching between more conversational sessions and shorter check-ins depending on what is most helpful.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Motivational Interviewing

A way of working through mixed feelings about change without being pushed. The therapist helps you weigh things up and find your own reasons, which often makes a difficult decision feel less stuck.

Solution-Focused Therapy

Rather than examining the problem at length, this looks at what is already working and builds on it. Sessions tend to be practical and forward-looking, with small achievable steps, which translates readily to shorter online conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns can be addressed?
He supports a wide range of concerns including stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting challenges, and grief. His additional focus areas include things like addiction, self esteem, ADHD, workplace and relationship issues.
What is his therapeutic style like?
Sessions are straightforward and practical. He listens first, then helps set small, realistic goals and strategies clients can use between meetings.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 26 years of professional experience working with people facing family and personal challenges. That background informs a practical, solution-minded approach.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is a licensed clinical social worker - LCSW - licensed in California with license number CA LCSW 88213. He practices in California.
Which languages are offered and are international clients supported?
Sessions are offered in English. He does not accept international clients at this time.
In what formats are sessions available?
Sessions may be held via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on client preference and scheduling.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and services are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

Next step

Talk to Seán

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