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CONSULTANT. ADVOCATE. THERAPIST. EDUCATOR

“A good life is a process- not a state of being” Carl Rogers.

 

Hi! I’m Shealyn

I believe that therapy is a collaborative process between the client and the therapist who work together towards realistic, measurable, and attainable goals. The first step to change is awareness, if you’re here, you’ve already taken that first step. 

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I’m a firm believer that our mind body connection is the building blocks of both physical and mental health. In my free time I find myself fostering that connection by spending time with my husband, children, chickens and dogs, traveling, reading, or gardening. I love college basketball, live music, a good cup of cold brew coffee and a solid porch swing.

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After many years in the neuroscience and mental health field working with traumatic brain injuries, and neurodivergence, I decided to go back and get my MSW and clinical license to pursue private practice. As fate would have it- I ended up being a parent of four neurodivergent kiddos and I was able to use my professional knowledge in a very personal way.

While walking this journey as a parent- I couldn't help but think of those that on their own mental health and development journey who are often given diagnoses which sometimes lead to more questions than answers. This is where Cerebral Counseling and Consulting was born.

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Picture of Therapist

When it comes to your health and overall well-being, it’s important to have a knowledgeable professional you can turn to. Over the years, I’ve provided counseling and psychological services to clients across a diverse background.

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I earned my Master of Arts in with a concentration in Neuroscience at George Mason University and a Master of Social Work (MSW) and Certificate in Treating Trauma through Widener University. I have dedicated most of my career working to understand the primary function of our brain and physical bodies on our emotional and mental health. A behaviorist by nature, my approach includes trauma informed care with sessions structured around providing goal directed, solution focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

 

As a mental health professional with experience in various settings, including the federal government, group homes, group therapy, play therapy, intensive-in home, and telemental health, I have worked with diverse age ranges and cultural backgrounds. My early training as a registered behavioral technician and therapeutic staff support allowed me to work with families with neurodiverse children. I continued my work with families at the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, where I focused on advocating for and educating caregivers on the dynamics of traumatic brain injury on service members. As native of Northern Virginia, a spouse of a US Veteran, and a mom of two neurodivergent kiddos, I am dedicated to supporting families and my local community.

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SPECALITIES:

Trauma Trained in Trauma-Focused CBT

  • PTSD

  • TBI

  • Chronic Illness

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Parental Education and Support

  • ADHD

  • Autism Spectrum Disorders

  • Dysgraphia

  • Dyslexia

  • ​Caregiving

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 Individual Therapy for clients 15 and up.

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • Life Transitions

  • Working with Neurologically Diverse clients 

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TREATMENT STYLE AND METHODS:

  • Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

  • Behavioral Therapy

  • Attachment Therapy/Boundary Recognition

  • Humanistic Therapy

  • Interpersonal Neurobiology

EDUCATION AND  WORK EXPERIENCE

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