Therapist in Gig Harbor, Washington Diane Shewmaker, Therapist

I primarily employ a holistic mind/body/spirit heart-centered approach to our time together in therapy. Other behavioral and cognitive methods may also be included when appropriate. I encourage you to look within so as to better become aware of and express your thoughts, emotions and experiences in a safe environment while helping you gain insight, define goals, and plan and execute appropriate actions toward these ends. Goals of treatment are collaboratively established to help you in leading a healthier, happier and more productive life. I hold an MA in Education and Human Development with a Major in Community Mental Health Counseling and a BBA in Human Resource Management, both with honors from George Washington University in Washington, DC. I have taken advanced coursework in counseling and interview skills, human growth and development, group dynamics, major counseling theories, professional orientation and ethics, social and cultural foundations, clinical assessment, career counseling, counseling older adults and research methodology. My background also includes general, humanistic, transpersonal and Jungian psychology; psychosynthesis; Gestalt theory and practice; hypnotherapy; various behavioral, cognitive and trauma therapies, guided imagery; breathing techniques; relaxation techniques; meditation, energy healing, mindfulness and nutritional therapy, any of which as appropriate may be brought into our sessions to support your healing and growth and to help you with any traumas you may have experienced in your life including any form of abuse or otherwise. I am also comfortable working with your spiritual questions, no matter the religion and/or tradition. I have over 30 years practicing as a licensed counselor. I have also served as a group leader and workshop facilitator to support adults as they face the many existential life challenges of adjustment, loss and transition, including relating to death and dying while facing serious and/or terminal illness in yourself and/or your loved ones. In addition to employing the above modalities, my specialties and the age groups who I work with are listed below.