Sean Gardner , LPC, LMHC

Sean Gardner is a licensed counselor who blends practical experience and formal training to help people navigate stress, relationship conflict, trauma, and major life transitions. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, he served on active duty in the US Navy and later worked as a city firefighter-paramedic in Virginia before returning to Arizona to complete a BA in Psychology at Arizona State University. After relocating to Oahu in 2011 he began his career in mental health and earned a Master of Counseling Psychology from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 2016.

He holds licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), credentials that indicate formal training and state authorization to provide therapeutic services. His early clinical work has included inpatient therapy with adolescents and social work with the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he helped homeless veterans secure housing. Over the past several years he has focused on delivering psychotherapy online, gaining experience with remote care and varied formats of care.

Sean approaches therapy from a collaborative, client-centered stance, helping people reconnect with their values and strengths while addressing symptoms of anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, trauma, relationship difficulties, and other concerns. He integrates evidence-based methods to tailor treatment to each person’s needs and goals. Recently he spent time in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and continues to draw on a wide range of life and professional experiences to inform his work with clients.

Therapeutic Approaches and Remote Care

Sean Gardner draws from several evidence-informed approaches to guide online work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on helping people clarify their values and take committed action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present - this approach can help with anxiety, depression, and life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) teaches practical strategies to identify and adjust unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which is useful for mood, worry, and many day-to-day challenges. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and a collaborative therapeutic relationship to help clients feel understood and to encourage self-directed growth.

Finding the right approach is part of the process. Sean works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting techniques over time rather than relying on a single model. This collaborative stance helps tailor treatment in remote settings as well as in person.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur by video call or phone, and conversations can continue through live chat or text-based messaging when appropriate. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, to maintain continuity of care across locations, and to access support from licensed professionals without the constraints of travel or local availability.