Dr. Sean Harrell

“I am human, and I think nothing human is alien to me.”
-Terence

ABOUT ME

My interest in psychology has always grown naturally out of my interest in the human condition more broadly.  I came to psychology through a background in the arts, religious studies and philosophy.  Because of my desire to understand the human mind as deeply as possible, I have focused my work on the study and practice of psychoanalytic psychology, as I believe it offers the most robust and meaningful conversation about what it is to be a human, how we suffer, and how we grow and heal. 

I earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD), the highest degree one can earn in the field of mental health, from Wheaton College with an emphasis on providing individual psychoanalytic/psychodynamic psychotherapy.  In addition to my doctoral training, I completed an additional fellowship at the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis, postgraduate mentorship through the American Psychoanalytic Association, and am currently training with the New School for Existential Psychoanalysis in the study and practice of existential psychoanalysis.  

While earning my Doctorate, I also earned a Masters of Theology from Wheaton College.  Although existential concerns, or issues related to faith or spirituality, may not be part of why many people seek my help, I am open and capable of engaging with those concerns if they are part of your life.

I have written and presented papers on psychological theory and psychotherapy both locally and nationally. As part of my ongoing journey of personal learning and growth, I currently co-facilitate and participate in several ongoing professional reading, study and consultation groups with other mental health professionals around the country.

Before establishing a private practice, I worked in a variety of settings, including outpatient clinics as well as intensive, residential and hospital settings. In addition to clinical practice I have taught subjects related to psychology and psychotherapy for masters and doctoral-level students.  

EDUCATION

Psy.D in Clinical Psychology, Wheaton College, 2014

M.A in Theological Studies, Wheaton College, 2013

M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Wheaton College, 2011

B.S. in Psychology and Philosophy, Cornerstone University, 2008

PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

Harrell, S. (2021). Chasing the Uncatchable: Mystery and Metaphor in the Work of Michael Eigen. In K. Fuchsman & K. Cohen (Eds.), Healing, rebirth and the work of Michael Eigen: Collected essays on a pioneer in psychoanalysis. Routledge.

Harrell, S. (2019). Chasing the Uncatchable: Mystery and Metaphor in the Work of Michael Eigen. Presented at International Psychohistorical Assocation Conference, New York University.

Harrell, S. (2014). Narcissism, Suffering and Openness to the Other: An Integration of Psychoanalytic Self Psychology, Relational Psychoanalysis and the Theology of Jürgen Moltmann. Doctoral thesis defended at Wheaton College.

Harrell, S. (2013). Narcissism, Suffering and Openness to the Other. Presented at the Symposium of Psychology and Theology, Wheaton College.

Crowther, M. M., Austin, A. L., Scogin, F., Harwood T.M., & Harrell, S. “Integrative personality assessment with older adults and ethnic minorities.” Integrative assessment of adult personalities. New York: Guilford.