Sean

Sean Whalen

Counselor

“I use evidence-based practices tailored to fit your experience and worldview. Counseling is about combining acceptance and change.”

About Me

I offer a space where you can gently explore life's challenges. We'll work together to understand your unique experience, blending self-acceptance with practical steps towards desired change. My approach ensures the support you receive is always tailored to your personal worldview. This combination helps you find peace and build resilience, creating a deeply personal journey towards clarity and growth.

Approach

Therapy here moves from gentle acceptance toward clear, practical steps shaped by your values and pace. In my Tacoma office or through secure online sessions, we balance focused skill-building with space to process what feels heavy. I combine short, achievable experiments, cognitive reframing and thoughtful assessment when needed—especially with adolescents, parents and people facing trauma, addiction or identity questions—and encourage small between-session practices so momentum is steady. This way of working tends to suit those wanting compassionate, structured change.
Contact Sean

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

Services Offered:

  • Child Psych & Diagnostic Assessment

    Formal assessment of a child's psychological, cognitive, or emotional functioning to identify conditions and guide appropriate support.

  • Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

    Learn more about Counseling
  • CBT

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

    Learn more about CBT
  • Adolescent Therapy

    Therapy designed for teenagers, using age-appropriate methods to address issues like anxiety, identity, peer pressure, and family conflict.

    Learn more about Adolescent Therapy

Works With:

  • Adolescents
  • Adults
  • Parents

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Abuse

    Emotional, physical, or sexual mistreatment by another person that causes lasting psychological harm and disrupts a person's sense of safety.

  • Addiction

    A compulsive dependence on a substance or behaviour, such as alcohol, drugs, or gambling, that causes harmful consequences to health, relationships, or daily life.

    Learn more about Addiction
  • Life Transitions

    Major life changes, such as relocation, retirement, parenthood, or career shifts, that disrupt routine and require psychological adjustment.

    Learn more about Life Transitions
  • Adolescent Therapy

    Therapy designed for teenagers, using age-appropriate methods to address issues like anxiety, identity, peer pressure, and family conflict.

    Learn more about Adolescent Therapy
  • Adoption

    The process of legally becoming a parent to a child who is not biologically yours, which can raise complex emotions around identity, attachment, and belonging for all involved.

  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • LGBTQI+ Support

    The unique psychological experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals, including identity exploration, coming out, discrimination, minority stress, and relationship dynamics.

Professional Title:

  • Counselor

    A trained professional who provides talk therapy to help clients work through emotional, relational, and psychological difficulties.

Credentials

Registrations

Washington State Department of Health

Certified Counsellor

Qualifications

University of Montana

Service Areas

South Sound Behavior Associates

In-person & Online

Tacoma, Washington

United States