With over 31 years of experience bridging clinical expertise and judicial insight, Sean delivers specialized behavioral health services for court-involved populations as well as others in the community. His unique background in both therapeutic intervention and legal systems makes him a trusted resource for complex cases requiring integrated approaches.
Licensed Professional Counselor | Criminal Justice Specialist & Consultant | Certified Addiction Counselor | Leadership Roles in Private Practice, CMH, & Adult and Juvenile Courts
Clinical Specializations
- Substance Use Disorders & Other Addictions – Comprehensive assessment and evidence-based treatment
- Criminogenic Risk Assessment & Treatment – Specialized evaluation and intervention
- Trauma-Informed Care – Addressing trauma, depression, anxiety, and adjustment
- Domestic Violence & Aggression – Expert intervention and prevention strategies
- Co-Occurring Disorders – Integrated treatment for dual diagnoses
Therapeutic Approaches
Sean utilizes evidence-based modalities including Polyvagal Theory (PVT), Components-Based Psychotherapy (CBP), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). His trauma-informed approach emphasizes nervous system regulation and evidence-based cognitive interventions.
Education & Credentials
Master of Arts – Integrated Recovery for Co-Occurring Disorders, Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School
Master of Public Administration – Western Michigan University
Licensure & Certifications: Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC), MRT Facilitator, DBT Facilitator, ORAS Certified, Impaired Driving Assessment (IDA) Certified
Leadership Experience
Current: Lead Court Clinician at Synergy Behavioral Health (2025-Present). Also provides consultation services to Cognitive Consultants, InnerRise, 616 SUDS, and 54B District Court Probation.
Previous Leadership: Health Services Director at Newaygo County Mental Health, Owner/Program Director of Cognitive Consultants (2009-2022), Juvenile Services Director at Ingham County Family Division, and Chief Probation Officer at 56A District Court.
Innovation & Expertise
Creator of the Dynamic Risk and Needs Assessment (DRNA), now utilized by multiple court systems. Implementation of ORAS criminogenic risk assessment and evidence-based programming. Extensive experience with specialty courts including sobriety, drug treatment, domestic violence, and veterans treatment courts.
Services Offered
Individual Therapy: Substance use disorders, trauma, court-mandated counseling, relationship concerns, emotional regulation
Group Therapy: Men’s domestic violence groups, MRT groups, recovery programs
Clinical Assessments: Substance use evaluations, domestic violence risk assessments, driver’s license restoration assessments
Training & Consultation: C-RNR methodologies, trauma-informed approaches, specialty court development, clinical supervision