- He/Him
Sean Bray, MA, MHC-LP, PhD in philosophy
Therapist in New York, NY
Who is Sean
Hi, I’m Sean! I am a queer-bisexual cis able-bodied man who has experimented a lot in life. I have lived in three different countries and consider myself a perpetual wanderer. I love books, languages, dogs, movies, food, cabins, mountains, and snow. I hate running but admire people who love it!
Prior to working at Heartspace, I completed a PhD in philosophy and prior to that did some ballet, theater, and martial arts. I love movies (did I mention that?), especially science fiction, and poetry. Art and science too. I’m a fairly regular meditator. And I’m an easy person to talk to! Talk to me about anything and everything.
Areas of Focus
Sean works with a wide range of mental health concerns and specializes in:
- Experimenting With and Affirming Sexual and Gender Identities
- Exploring Body Modification and Body Acceptance
- Overcoming Stigma and Shame
- Revitalizing Relationships (Monogamous, Open, and Poly)
- Finding Meaning and Purpose
- Creating Joy, Fulfillment, and Belonging
What Therapy with Sean Looks Like
Therapy with me is usually focused on the bigger questions that give our lives meaning. With that in mind, I often incorporate philosophy into our discussions, for example, socratic questioning, stoic exercises, and the exploration of deeper values. I combine these with tried and true forms of therapeutic healing like cognitive-behavioral therapy (changing unhelpful thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs), rewriting narratives, and existential reframing (putting things in their proper perspective).
I also love to bring in poems, wisdom quotes, and unconventional ideas from great thinkers because I think they offer insight into the universality of many of our challenges. And as we progress, I’ll encourage you to cultivate your own archives of wisdom which you can turn to when things are difficult and suggest ways you can integrate the wisdom you collect into the deeper recesses of your mind.
Finally, I will model the vulnerability and openness that is fundamental to healing. I am quite open about some of my own personal struggles because I believe it makes it easier for you to be open about yours. As we build trust and improve the communication between us, you will gain resources for doing the same in the other important relationships in your life.
Experience and Background
I specialize in helping people explore and heal their relationship with their body, sexuality, and gender, avoiding conventional approaches and categories that can limit our thinking. So often we remain in cages of our own making where the doors are wide open.
I also specialize in helping couples and polycules revitalize their relationships through meaningful communication, more connective sex, and the changing of unhelpful patterns.
A lot of our problems stem from looking for stability and belonging in places where they’re impossible to find. So my aim as a therapist is to help people build a strong core of inner stability and a sense of belonging anywhere they find themselves.
I will always encourage you to celebrate your differences and work with your strengths. I’ll encourage you to expand your thinking. I’ll encourage you to try experiences outside your comfort zone.
What made sean become a therapist
I came to therapy after studying philosophy. I realized that the deeper conversations that I was hoping to have as an academic philosopher were actually the types of conversations we have all the time in therapy.
I started studying philosophy because I was fascinated by the bigger mysteries in this life. What does it mean to be embodied? What is the nature of sex and gender? What is the nature of time? What is power? I loved exploring these questions in theory, but I also wanted to engage with them outside of the classroom and hopefully use them to make the world a better place.
Ultimately, I realized that therapy was a way to make a huge difference in people’s lives while still exploring the big questions. It is an honor to be a witness to people’s self-exploration and to play a part in their growth and change. My clients continually inspire me to act courageously and live with more integrity. I love my job so much!
I love this question from the poet David Whyte:
“What conversation can you set in motion that your future self will be grateful to you for having begun?”
Therapy Sessions & Fee
- Per Session
- For Individual Therapy
- Per Session
- For Relationship or Family Therapy
- (Depending on the number of partners)
Limited sliding scale fee slots are available for people who are struggling financially or unable to pay the full fee.
Email me at sean@heartspace-therapy.com to book a free 15 minute consultation call.
Cell: 347-618-8299
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and you do not have to take it alone.
If you are interested in working with Sean Bray or would like to learn more, you are welcome to reach out.