Melissa Shockman, MA

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 My approach's to healing combine solution-focused, goal-oriented, and strength based approaches. The way that people think influences behavior so cognitive-behavioral tools are often effective in dealing with patterns of interactions involving triggers that create emotional reactivity. Systems naturally tend toward balance, therefore consideration of roles, power-differentials, and team-function have to be discussed and renegotiated as time and external demands dictate.  

 The body, nervous system, and brain all are involved in learning new skills and coping mechanisms. In cases of overwhelming stress exposure, a series of physiological chemical reactions affect how the brain and body process information. Sleep is often disrupted during times of great stress which is thought to be one of the natural recovery processes to integrate new memories and information. Regular exercise, expressive activities, and grounding practices are often included into treatment goals as these have been proven to help create a healthy foundation.  

 Our minds, how meaning is created, and individual perceptions based on previous experiences affect how people view the world and themselves in the world. Based on what our experiences teach or tell us in combination with various sensitivity levels will impact how the world is interpreted. Often cognitive patterns can become ingrained and might very well be effective coping at certain times but ineffective coping in other times. Identifying and addressing how our thoughts impact emotions and behavioral function play a critical part in a sense of choice and control. 

 People need other people. We are relational beings. Attachments are formed in different settings and over the course of a life-time. Even though people can experience incredible pain and suffering due to unsafe relationship experiences, they can also experience restorative experiences that in essence help to restore and reestablish a sense of balance. Healing by connection, by practice, repetition and consistency can help establish a safe foundation from which to learn and grow. Change can also be uncomfortable, includes risk, and may require gentle accepting encouragement.  

 People tend to thrive when they have enough challenge to be engaged, but not so much as to be overwhelmed. People want to be able to participate in their community with a sense of purpose. Holding on to the belief that people can heal and can help heal each other and actively participate in healing is the foundation of my work as a therapist. Whatever beliefs help people feel strong, want to seek hope for a better tomorrow, and assist each other and themselves in the process of healing should be valued as important.