Counselor in Bradenton, FL

Pat Shanklin, MA, LMHC, NCC

Turn crises in opportunties for growth

25 years experience as an adult and couples therapist

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Location

9231 66th Ave. Dr. E.    Lakewood Ranch / Braden Woods    Bradenton, FL 34202

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Practice Information

ADULT INDIVIDUAL THERAPY Do you want to heal the pain from the past and experience the life that you want in the present? Do you want to learn how to cherish your partner and live in peaceful harmony? Do you want to work through past traumas, change dysfunctional family patterns and shed outdated defenses? Problems in life are unavoidable, but suffering is a choice. Trying to elude the pain of life's challenges can leave you stuck in stress, anxiety, and depression. As we navigate troubled waters, the last thing we may be thinking about is the opportunity to grow. My approach to therapy offers clients more than just short-term band-aids to cure symptoms. I utilize experiential techniques to bridge the gap between the verbal, problem-solving part of our brains and the nonverbal, intuitive, emotional part. Both parts help us to identify the sources of problems, and develop new patterns and skills for handling them. While I focus on the whole client, not just the presenting problem, some of the areas I specialize in include: * Anxiety * Bereavement * Chronic medical conditions * Depression * Family-of-origin concerns * Self-esteem issues * Trauma resolution / PTSD * Workplace concerns COUPLES THERAPY Do you want to forgive past injuries and rediscover that couple holding hands? Most couples struggle finding the balance between the “we” and the “me”. Too much “we” and the sense of self becomes blurred; too much “me” and there's not enough glue (intimacy) in the relationship to keep it together over time. Emotionally-focused couples treatment emphasizes valuing and validating each other. I honor the wisdom in each of my clients; you will not be judged. Our work together will take you from blaming and alienation, to engagement, connectedness and security. Research shows couples with a 5:1 ratio of positive / negative interactions build up a resilient "emotional bank". Learn communication skills, conflict resolution techniques, and how to cultivate the loving behaviors to get to the magic ratio. Some of the issues I've been able to assist couples in tackling are: * Blended families * Communication problems * Divorce prevention * Internet & sexual addictions * Parenting concerns * Relationship issues ADOLESCENT THERAPY Figuring out who you are, and who you want to be is a major undertaking at any age. For teens, the task of self-definition is fraught with possibilities and perils. Together, we will work to help you develop a healthy sense of self, and establish goals and patterns to set you on a course for a happy and productive life. Areas of focus may include: * ADD / ADHD * Depression * Giftedness * Parental separation and divorce * Peer relationships * School failure

Licenses/Certifications

Certified EMDR Therapist (EMDRIA)  EMDR Part 1 and 2 (EMDRIA)  Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)  National Certified Counselor (NCC)  Psychotherapy (MA)

Education

Years in Practice: 20+ Years School: University of South Florida Year Graduated: 1986 License No. and State: MH2276 Florida

Bio:

Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Bradenton / Lakewood Ranch / Sarasota, Florida. In my 25 years of practice in individual, couples and adolescent psychotherapy, it has been my privilege to walk beside my many clients on their journeys to happier, healthier lives. I am trained in experiential therapies (EMDR, hypnosis, gestalt) which can get to the root of suffering and heal it for good.

Helpful Links

My website: http://www.therapat.com

Practice Areas/Issues Treated

Therapy  Adolescents  Anger Management  Anxiety and Panic  Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)  Caregiver Issues  Chronic Illness  Couples  Depression  Divorce  EMDR  Family Conflict  Gay or Lesbian Issues  Gifted / Talented Issues  Grief and Loss  Hypnotherapy  Life Transitions  Loneliness  Marriage & Family Therapy  Marriage Counseling  Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder  Pet Therapy  Premarital Counseling  Relationship Issues  Self-Esteem Issues  Seniors and Elder Care Issues  Stress Management  Trauma and PTSD  Women's Issues  Work and Career Issues

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Nearby Cities

Ellenton   Parrish   Oneco   Sarasota   Palmetto   Tallevast