Patricia (Patsy) Shealy, Ph.D, Lmft

Most of us, at one time or another, has something they need to talk about, process, and/or resolve. Having grown up in an Air Force Military family (Military Brat) and lived primarily in Germany, my own childhood was challenging, and returning to the US felt stranger than leaving it. I'm a Third Culture Kid. I have always been fascinated by people and deeply curious about why we do what we do, and the way we do it. Today, as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist holding a PhD from Pacifica Graduate Institute, I bring over 39 years of clinical experience to my practice. I believe that establishing a safe and trusting environment, a safe space to do your work is most important. I work with adults across the lifespan, specializing heavily in supporting military veterans and their families, first responders and their families, and ER and ICU hospital personnel. Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, substance use, PTSD, or developmental trauma from childhood, Addictions, Alcohol, drugs, sex, relationships, and gambling are generally misunderstood by the public. Often there is underlying trauma and one tries to cope, manage unmanageable feelings using substances or unhealthy distractions. It works for a minute, then soon enough, the coping mechanism becomes the problem and the trauma is left untreated. Alcoholics are not bad people, they just sometimes make bad choices. We're only human.

I believe that unless you have a trusting relationship with your client, the deeper work simply cannot be done. Genuine emotional growth flourishes when we balance this deeply authentic human connection with empathy, respect, and compassion using what is called for, needed in each unique moment of engagement. I am a psychodynamic psychotherapist drawn to Depth Psychology, and I believe that our early lives are intricately linked to the issues we face as adults. By making connections and unraveling your story, we create a path for forward growth. To support this journey, I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Emotionally Focused Therapy, and I am trained in Brainspotting as a specialized trauma technique. My communication style is warm, kind, and patient, yet I am also very direct, as I believe the truth is undeniable and should be expressed. Together, we will outline tangible goals, asking the right questions to help you articulate your needs and translate our work into meaningful change in your daily life.

Reaching out for support takes immense courage, and my hope is that our telehealth sessions act as a quiet refuge where you can safely step away from the heavy demands of daily stress. Our first session is fundamentally a conversation dedicated to getting to know each other within a calm, non-judgmental environment. We will gently explore your history, symptoms, and client-centered goals at a natural, comfortable pace without any pressure to share everything all at once. Necessary information will be imparted, and I will gladly answer any questions you might have about the therapeutic process. My priority is to establish a strong, trusting relationship right from the start, ensuring you feel fully heard and supported as we collaboratively design a clear roadmap for your healing journey.