Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Sean
Sean Burns is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 18 years of experience in behavioral health and drug and alcohol treatment settings. Sean specializes in working with teenagers and adults, ages 14 to 100, challenged by anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, work difficulties, marital/relationship conflict, school stress, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, grief/loss experiences, faith/religious beliefs, and behavioral issues. Sean also has experience in dealing with addiction affecting individuals and families. He provides skills, tools, educational information, and suggestions to help clients take the next step.
Sean received his Master of Social Work from the University of Pittsburgh. He utilizes approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, compassion-focused therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, faith-based and Christian counseling, and motivational interviewing.
Sean can assist you in improving the relationships that mean the most to you and set appropriate boundaries within more challenging ones. He invites you to partner with him for your health and well-being and encourages you to schedule an appointment today.

"I am excited to partner with you to help you take one more step in the direction you want to go in life."
Get to know Sean
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
I wanted to become a therapist to help other people make the changes and improvements in their own lives that are most important to them. I believe that my work experiences in the corporate world, my spiritual development, and life experiences allow me to connect with my clients in a healthy and healing way.
What types of clients do you work with best?
I enjoy getting to know all of my clients and their experiences which have impacted the course of their life. I appreciate clients who can develop trust in our interactions and the work that we develop together. I enjoy clients who can share those life experiences which may impact them and focus on improving your life today.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I am excited to work with clients who are interested improving their life and interactions with others.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew?
I want all clients to recognize that the main thing that they have control over is what they say and the actions that they take in their life. The challenge is that all of those other people and situations are out of your control, and finding healthy ways to handle those items can be helpful.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
I chose to practice at Thriveworks because they provide a broad range of providers and services that provides their clients with the greatest chance to get the help that they want and need.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by seeing clients make progress in their lives that support their goals. I am inspired by seeing people treat each other with respect, care, and compassion.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
In our first session I will ask you many questions designed to help me understand what is making life difficult and challenging for you. My goal is to understand your needs, recognize those thoughts and behaviors that trouble you, and provide you with a safe space where you can be free to be you.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
In our first session I hope to build trust through listening to you so that I can understand those issues that are most challenging for you and the associated symptoms that you are experiencing.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first session?
As a new client, please know that you will be listened to and you will have control to set the goals that are most important to you and define the direction of our discussions. You will be provided with a safe space to express all emotions that you feel and experience in your life.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
I enjoy bicycling with my spouse, golfing with friends, fishing by myself, and volunteering my time to those causes important to me.
What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
I have eclectic interests and hobbies including bicycling, fishing, volunteering, and golfing.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 18 years
- Graduating institute
- University of Pittsburgh
- Graduating degree
- Master of Social Work
