SD Portrait of Sean DeFreese

Sean DeFreese, LCSW

Practical support for anxiety and stress

5 years in practice · based in Utah · sessions in English · online sessions

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About Sean

Sean DeFreese is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in Utah who helps people facing stress and anxiety. He focuses on practical steps a person can take to feel steadier and more able to cope. Sean keeps language plain and sessions focused on what matters most to each person.

He sees anxiety alongside related issues such as addiction, depression, grief, compassion fatigue, and trauma and abuse. He also addresses everyday concerns like communication problems, guilt and shame, and feelings of isolation or loneliness.

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Background and approach

Sean emphasizes the client as the expert in their own life and looks for existing strengths to build on. His style blends methods from cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy with emotion-focused work and motivational interviewing. That mix is used to teach skills, process strong feelings, and support motivation for change.

Sessions typically include talking through patterns, trying new coping strategies, and setting short-term, achievable goals. Sean has five years of professional experience working in clinical settings. He describes the first step as a brave one and offers steady support while people try out new ways of handling stress and relationships.

The approach aims to be collaborative and grounded, not overly technical. People who choose Sean can expect straightforward conversations, clear skill practice, and guidance in making life changes that feel doable. The focus is on everyday progress rather than quick fixes.

How therapeutic approaches translate to online sessions

CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and changing patterns of behavior. It can help with anxiety, depression, and managing stress by teaching concrete coping strategies and homework exercises. DBT, or dialectical behavior therapy, emphasizes emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills. It is useful when strong feelings or overwhelming stress get in the way of daily life and relationships.

Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals and preferences and then try methods that match those needs. Sessions often mix techniques so people can see what helps, and adjustments are made over time based on progress and feedback.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video is good for face-to-face conversation and skill demonstrations. Phone calls can fit into a short break or when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and text messaging are useful for quick check-ins, ongoing support, or when writing feels easier than speaking. These options make it simpler to fit therapy into a busy life while still working on skills and goals.
Explore online therapy options See what online therapy involves and what your next steps would be.

Questions people ask

What kinds of problems does Sean help address?
He works with stress and anxiety and related concerns such as addictions, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, and compassion fatigue. Additional focus areas include communication problems, guilt and shame, and isolation or loneliness.
What is his general approach in sessions?
His sessions mix cognitive behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior strategies, emotionally-focused work, and motivational interviewing. The focus is on teaching skills, processing difficult emotions, and supporting motivation for change.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has five years of professional experience working in clinical settings. That experience has included helping people manage anxiety, stress, and related life challenges.
Where is he licensed and practicing?
He holds the LCSW credential and practices in Utah. Sessions are provided under that licensure.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available online?
Sessions can be scheduled as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and needs.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and is arranged through a subscription model. The subscription 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 then scheduling according to therapist availability.

What this therapist works with

Experience
5 years
Licensed
Utah, Oregon
Languages
English

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