Shelly Lear
I am a licensed psychologist in PA, with a specialty in clinical psychology. For the past 30 years I have specialized in college mental health working with young adults and late adolescents from a variety of theoretical perspectives, specializing in individual, group therapy, and family therapy as well as hypnotherapy modalities.
Individuals who are seeking someone who genuinely cares about them, works to understand them from their perspective, is open and sincere and has a sense of humor will find me a good fit.
Prior to becoming a psychologist, I had training and experience with helping individuals and families with substance abuse, recovery from sexual, emotional, and physical abuse history, and personality or interpersonal style problems.
First session
Therapy works best when the client and therapist can build a trusting, genuine, confidential and supportive relationship. So, in first sessions, I collaborate with clients to identify the reasons they are seeking counseling, their goals for the process, and to begin to understand what may have led to or is maintaining the difficulties they face. I believe that all of us are doing the best we can to understand and make meaning in our lives, and we sometimes need some help to restore our balance and handle our feelings, thoughts, and relationships. My goal is to help you experience contentment and coherence in your life
Strengths
Clients report that my genuineness, warmth, caring, direct communication, and authenticity have been important to them. Individuals who are seeking someone who genuinely cares about them, works to understand them from their perspective, is open and sincere and has a sense of humor will find me a good fit. In addition, I have more than 30 years experience as a generalist with a wide variety of individuals, presenting issues, therapy knowledge, and modalities.
Ideal clients
With over 30 years of clinical experience in a variety of settings as a clinical psychologist generalist, I understand a broad range of psychological concerns across the lifespan. My style is collaborative and supportive, focusing on practical strategies and meaningful insight to foster growth and well-being. I bring a warm, open, and direct approach to therapy, combined with deep empathy and a strong commitment to helping clients reduce their current symptoms while enhancing their overall quality of life. I especially enjoy working with emerging adults as they navigate the transition into adulthood, helping to reduce anxiety about this process and addressing related challenges such as relationships, self-image, mood regulation, and coping skills. I am also well-suited for clients in midlife and beyond who seek understanding and support in managing life’s complexities and the ongoing development of identity and contentment. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, mood concerns, or life stressors, I am here to support symptom relief while encouraging positive changes that improve your overall life experience. If you are looking for a compassionate, straightforward therapist who values collaboration and understands the nuances of development across life stages, I would be honored to work with you.
Treatment methods
Integrative
My primary theoretical orientation and training is integrative, drawing family systems, interpersonal, mindfulness, CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, existential-humanistic, solution-oriented, hypnosis, neurobiological and cultural perspectives. I believe in understanding each person from a variety of therapeutic approaches. Most important to my therapy is developing a genuine, empathic, and caring relationship with clients so they have a safe space to heal and grow.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I am educated and trained in culturally-competent, gender and orientation affirming therapy and meet clients from their perspective, appreciating their goals and values.
Psychodynamic
Using attachment based, interpersonal, and insight oriented approaches, I help clients understand who they are, how their attachments affected their development, explore their values, and make meaning in their lives so they have more choice and flexibility in their lives.
Hypnotherapy
I have seven years of graduate training, 30 years of practice using hypnosis, and an additional 15 years of continuing education in using hypnotherapy as an integrated technique to help clients.
Family Therapy
I have over 40 years of experience, and a doctoral specialty in the practice of family therapy with adolescents and their families (14 years and older)
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions9 E Beau St, Washington, PA 15301, 1st Floor
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
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Licensed in
- PennsylvaniaLicense PS018801