Sean McDermott

Sean McDermott is a New York psychologist with over 26 years of experience. He focuses on practical help for people feeling stuck by stress, anxiety, low mood, or problems with anger and self-esteem. He aims to make the first step toward change feel doable and direct. He approaches sessions as a partnership where the client is the expert on their own life. He listens for strengths and small wins, and uses that information to build steps forward. The work often centers on clearer priorities, breaking down habits that get in the way, and trying out new ways of responding to hard feelings. In therapy Sean uses tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. That means he will help people notice unhelpful thoughts, test small behavior changes, and set short-term goals that point toward what matters most. These methods are practical and focused on next steps rather than long lectures. He also pays attention to issues like guilt, shame, forgiveness, panic attacks, social anxiety, and feelings of isolation or loneliness. Sessions tend to be straightforward and goal-oriented, with time to talk through what’s happening now and plan what to try between meetings. Sean invites people who want clear, practical support and a steady guide through change. To begin, visitors can use the site’s matching process to find out if his approach feels like a good fit.

How these approaches translate to online therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings and choose actions that align with their values. It is useful for anxiety, depression, and the kind of isolation that comes from withdrawing or avoiding social contact. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing small behavior changes to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning. It often helps with panic attacks, social anxiety, and mood shifts. Solution-Focused Therapy emphasizes clear, short-term goals and practical steps to move forward, which can make progress feel more visible and manageable.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss these methods with each person and decide together which tools to try first based on needs, goals, and preferences. That collaborative planning helps keep sessions focused and relevant to everyday life.

If you are considering online therapy, check the current session options before booking so you know how meetings will be arranged. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow quick check-ins on stressful days. It can also support consistent practice of skills between sessions while keeping the focus on solving immediate problems and building routines that help with loneliness and anxiety.