ABOUT ME

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

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and certified existential psychoanalyst. I came to study psychology through a background in the arts, religious studies and philosophy, and my interest in psychology has always grown naturally out of a broader, passionate interest in our shared human condition. 

I earned my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsyD), the highest degree one can earn in the field of mental health, from Wheaton College.  While completing my doctoral studies, I also earned a Masters degree in Theological Studies from Wheaton College.

In addition to my doctoral training, I have pursued several additional professional trainings. These include:

  • Completion of full training for certification as an Existential Psychoanalyst through the New School for Existential Psychoanalysis

  • Completion of advanced clinical supervision through the Michigan Council for Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy

    • Clinical Supervisor: Marybeth Atwell, LMSW

  • Completion of postdoctoral clinical supervision through the American Psychoanalytic Association

    • Clinical Supervisor: Drew Clemens, MD

  • Completion of the fellowship program through the Chicago Center for Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy

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 clinical consultation groups with other mental health professionals locally and 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.  

PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS

“Fear and Courage in Coming Alive,” Sean Harrell, PsyD, Presented at R.D. Laing in the 21st Century Symposium, Asilomar, Pacific Grove, California, 2025.

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

“Chasing the Uncatchable: Mystery and Metaphor in the Work of Michael Eigen,” Sean Harrell, PsyD, Presented at International Psychohistorical Assocation Conference, New York University, 2019.

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

“Narcissism, Suffering and Openness to the Other,” Sean Harrell, PsyD, Presented at the Symposium of Psychology and Theology, Wheaton College, 2013.

“Integrative personality assessment with older adults and ethnic minorities,” Crowther, M. M., Austin, A. L., Scogin, F., Harwood T.M., & Harrell, S., Integrative assessment of adult personalities. New York: Guilford. 2013.