SEAN LEBENS, LPC

Sean Lebens (he/they) is an experienced licensed professional counselor who works with adolescents, adults, and couples. His specialty interests include: boy’s and men’s issues, gender issues, LGBTQIA+ issues, substance use and addiction, anxiety, depression, and developmental disabilities. He utilizes treatment approaches that are evidence based and uniquely tailored to each client.

Sean obtained his bachelor’s degree in psychology (human development) from DePaul University in Chicago, IL. He then went on to achieve his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling. He has a keen interest in working with clients who have developmental disabilities and has experience as a Registered Behavioral Technician. Sean has a passion for ongoing learning and personal growth.

Before joining Wellness Grove, Sean worked primarily with individuals with autism spectrum disorder in various settings for nearly five years. He has provided behavioral therapy services and supported living services to a wide range of clients, adapting to their individual needs and finding creative ways to improve their day-to-day lives. Additionally, Sean also has experience with working with clients who experienced compulsive behaviors and addiction (primarily sexual addiction and compulsions).

Beyond counseling, Sean has a keen interest in music and creative expression. He has a passion for playing music and learning new instruments as a way to stay grounded and practice mindfulness. He also finds that music can be great tools in his counseling practice at times, helping to create a calm environment for his clients.

Sean approaches counseling primarily through an existentialist and feminist lens because he believes that client issues stem from the complex interplay of social, environmental, biological, and cultural factors that impact one’s life. He finds that understanding a person’s’ lived experience in each of these dimensions provides a fuller sense of a client’s needs and helps to guide the therapeutic process seamlessly. It is important to Sean that he creates a safe environment for clients which includes being non-judgmental, showing compassion and empathy, actively listening, communicating openly and honestly, and working collaboratively with every client he works with. His adaptive style mixed with his natural sense of humor and unique ability to relate to people come together to create his own therapeutic environment.

His strengths include: empathy, serenity, social intelligence, patience, adaptability, active listening, and astute observation.