about me
Sean J. McGlew, psy.d., L.p.
My Therapeutic Philosophy
Life has always carried its unique difficulties, however the last several years have been exceptionally trying on our individual and collective mental health. When the world is chaotic, uncertain, and scary it is important to have someone on your side to help you sort through all the mess, find direction, and activate change in your life to achieve the goals you have set for yourself. I look to co-create a therapeutic space on a foundation of safety, mutual trust and respect, and your personal values. My approach to therapy is collaborative and strengths-based, providing you with concrete skills to manage distress as well as a space to explore underlying barriers to wellness from addiction and/or mental illness.
I believe that therapy and recovery require creativity and flexibility, so I will work with you to individualize your care to your needs and goals. This also means that therapy needs a healthy dose of humor to help lighten the heavy loads we all carry day-to-day. A strong focus on self-efficacy (the belief that ‘I am able’), and values-directed decision making are the cornerstone of my treatment, which is intended to help you build the confidence needed to make changes to your life.
Licensed for clinical practice in Massachusetts and Illinois
Education and Training
I received my doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a Traumatic Stress Concentration (2015) from Adler University in Chicago, IL and my undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Sociology (2010) from the University of New England in Biddeford, ME. I have a decade of training and experience in the assessment and treatment of addictive disorders. I completed my pre and post-doctoral residencies from the APA Accredited Internship Program at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation in Plymouth, MN and have remained in primary trauma and co-occurring addiction treatment throughout my professional career. I am currently in the process of gaining training in the study of thanatology, study of death and the practices associated with it, as well as the treatment of grief and loss through the Association for Death Education and Counseling.
Clinical Populations
I have extensive training and experience in the treatment of traumatic stress, addiction, chronic suicidal ideation and self-harming behaviors, bereavement and grief, as well as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. I have placed special emphasis on treatment of diverse populations, specifically LGBTQ, young women, and people of diverse ethnic backgrounds. I believe that no matter your background or circumstances, everyone deserves and can obtain recovery.
Specialized Training
I am trained in multiple models of treatment including Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Structural Family Systems, 12 Steps model of recovery, harm-reduction, habit reversal training, Constructivist therapies, and motivational enhancement approaches to treatment. I believe the best approach to treatment is through evidence-based interventions.
Supervisory and Program Development
I have several years of direct supervisory experience through both individual and group supervision, which includes the development of two individualized Addiction Seminars for clinicians new to the addiction treatment field and have co-founded evidence-based Trauma Treatment Continuums of Care for co-occurring treatment programs. I have been a KeyNote Speaker for the Summit for Clinical Excellence, presenting on addiction and trauma in the LGB community and have developed numerous trainings for staff on the topics of personality disorders, complex traumatic stress, addiction and the family system, and the neurobiology of addiction and trauma. I have a passion for helping foster future clinicians and supporting them towards their professional goals.