Additional Info
As a therapist I believe it is important to continue to work on myself. I have facilitated, seminars, workshops with professional therapists and life coaches in places as close as Dallas, Texas and as far away as Warsaw, Poland. Regardless of where one resides, there appears to be a longing at the core of every human being; a longing to be heard, understood, loved, valued, and accepted.
How I Can Help You
When people come to counseling, at a deep fundamental level they already know how to right themselves and regain their balance. They look for guidance, a place for reflection, trust, and unconditional acceptance. I reflect what wisdom is within them, those things they have forgotten, or have forgotten to practice. I help them notice their heart, listen to the cry of their own voice, and notice the miracle and preciousness of their existence. I hold up a mirror so that they can get a glimpse of themselves, their true self, without the masks they wear outside my office – giving them the chance to be honest, authentic, without being judged. Even though counseling changed my life and I have years of professional experience under my belt, it still amazes me how this process can impact those open to self exploration and new levels of awareness, even if it stings a little. I have been honored by souls that have allowed me in to be a part of their process and change – to be a part of their healing on this sacred journey.
Annie
In certain situations,
Annie is available as a therapy dog.
Paul Allen Shearer, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
As a musician, I will at times utilize music/songwriting in therapy; I use songwriting and music as a way of healing myself and others. I find this avenue especially effective with teens.
My Understanding
We all have unfinished business to address, whether it’s with parents, siblings, in-laws, children, betrayers, teachers, abusers, bullies, co-workers, ex-spouses, or people who are out of our lives that we want back in. Over time, the baggage we carry around in our hearts and minds can overwhelm us. We create many guises and maladaptive behaviors to cover our pain and vulnerabilities.
It took me a while to get here, to the place I am right now. This road has had many twists and turns and is still constantly changing - evolving. From growing up in a single parent home, dealing with issues from the abandonment of my biological father, and an alcoholic step-parent, to my own struggles of marriage, divorce, family deaths, and being a parent myself, I know that life sometimes takes us places that we had no intention of going or had no control over. From these trying personal experiences, I have found that it is easier to maintain a level of contentment by regulating myself (my thinking, fantasy, and breathing), rather than trying to get all of my ducks in a row. As soon as they are in a row, something, somebody, or even my own self will knock them out of alignment. Trying to micro-manage life is crazy because the road keeps moving beneath my feet. I can be in the present and look forward with either fear or excitement. I can look into the past with regret, resentment or respect. I have choices. So do you.
Additional Resources
Background
Education
1977:
B.A. from Texas Christian University
1979:
M.A. from University of Dallas
1993:
M.Ed. from the U.N.T.
Licenses and Certifications
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Adjunct Faculty Member of The Gremlin Taming Institute
- Certified Gestalt Therapist
- Family Therapy Training
I have been involved in a therapeutic training group for Licensed Counselors since 1993, and at times, facilitated that group.