Sean Gaughran, PhD

Training: Dr. Sean Gaughran earned his degree in Clinical Psychology from the Derner School of Psychology at Adelphi University in Garden City, NY and completed his predoctoral internship at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Gaughran completed his Postdoctoral Fellowship at Genesee Valley Psychology specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

Clinical Expertise: Dr. Gaughran has received training in a variety of clinical settings (e.g., hospitals, community clinics, college counseling centers) which has enabled him to work with a wide breadth of clients with diverse identities, backgrounds, and presenting challenges. Dr. Gaughran’s primary clinical interests include the treatment of anxiety, depression, OCD, and emotion dysregulation in adults. Dr. Gaughran is trained in a variety of therapeutic modalities including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy.

Approach: Dr. Gaughran’s integrative approach in the therapy room is informed by interpersonal psychodynamic, existential, and acceptance models; he works to provide a warm, collaborative environment where clients can reflect on their experiences in full and compassionate ways. Dr. Gaughran strives to create opportunities for clients to come to know themselves more fully, provide tools for clients to connect with others more deeply, and empower clients to live lives more congruent with their personal values.

Diversity & Inclusion: Dr. Gaughran recognizes that every client has a unique set of identities that shape and are shaped by their life experiences. Dr. Gaughran is dedicated to providing culturally humble and affirming treatment that values clients’ socio-cultural backgrounds and their unique experiences of their intersecting identities. Dr. Gaughran is also committed to personal reflection, learning, and social justice advocacy outside of the therapy room.

Research: Dr. Gaughran’s research focuses on the interpersonal impact of personality, particularly narcissistic traits. He uses quantitative methods to explore the relationship between narcissistic personality and important predictors of successful relationships. For example, his doctoral dissertation explored the relationship between narcissistic traits and the patient-therapist alliance in psychotherapy.

Ages: Dr. Gaughran treats adults and adolescents.