Laura Sherman

M.S.M.A., N.C.C., L.C.P.C

Objective

Implementing teaching and therapeutic skills presenting guest lectures, conducting research and seminars in diverse environments.

Summary of qualifications

• More than thirty years experience conducting individual psychotherapy focusing on intrapsychic and spiritual integration for children, adults and groups.
• Author of There’s A New Family In My House, a book on helping step-families to be a new life together (5/93).
• Seminar leader in the field of counseling and spirituality.
• Record of success in the design, implementation and administration of therapeutic, counseling and educational programs; extensive experience in staff training and evaluation of treatment.
• Academic experience encompassing teacher training, course development and instruction at the preschool, elementary, high school and university levels.

Professional experience

LAURA J. SHERMAN, M.S. & ASSOCIATES, Chicago based international practice    1984 - Present

Psychotherapist/Spiritual Guidance/Supervision/ Seminar Leader/ Guest lecturer

• Psycho-spiritual therapeutic practice specializing in the integration of psychology and spirituality. As consultant provide client sessions and training for individual professionals, therapeutic and educational agencies. Multidisciplinary lecturer in psychology, spirituality, esoteric studies and Feminine narrative. Integration of spiritual and holistic practices.

THE MILLTOWN INSTITUTE FOR THEOLOGY & PHILOSOPHY, Dublin, Ireland     Sept 2007 – May 2015

• PhD student in spirituality, focusing on feminine spirituality. Passed by examiners, I refused required changes for ethical reasons. Awarded MA in Research.
• Seminars and spiritual guidance in private practice, offered internationally.

VISITING LECTURER, THE MILLTOWN INSTITUTE,  Dublin, Ireland, March, 2010
Course: Contemporary Spirituality: Lecture Title: Critically Exploring Our Worldview.

• Course work for Masters level students in spirituality, theology and papal sponsored foreign students.

CONFERENCE, MAYNOOTH COLLEGE, Dublin, Ireland, October, 2009

• Presented a paper on Alternative Spiritualites in Ireland: Finding the Divine Feminine in Current-day Ireland: A Return to the Great Mother. Sponsored by the sociology departments of Maynooth and         Limerick College

LOYOLA UNIVERSITY INSTITUTE FOR PASTORAL STUDIES, Chicago, IL,  2006 - 2007
Adjunct Professor in Spirituality and Psychology

• Designed and developed a course in Contemplative Psychotherapy- a group model. Introducing a group model combining contemplative prayer and group process to assist clients in developing a daily spiritual practice to see the effect on psychic issues and personal healing. To train pastoral counselors and spiritual directors in this format.

LORENE REPLOGLE COUNSELING CENTER AT FOURTH PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, Chicago, IL, 1999 - 2004
Psychotherapist/Groups/Seminar Leader

• Psychotherapy treatment for adult population treating individuals and couples. Originator of contemplative-psychotherapy groups blending spirituality and group process work. Developing integrative spirituality.

HERITAGE PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATES, Hinsdale, IL, 1999 – 2002
Psychotherapist

• Professional counseling service providing treatment of individuals couples, families, children and groups. Treatment specialties include: psychotherapy, play therapy, spiritual counseling and Reiki work. Conducted groups integrating spirituality and group process for adults.

CABRINI GREEN YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES, Chicago, IL, 1998 - 2001
Psychotherapist                                                                                                   

• Psychotherapist for foster children, families, and individual adults, in an agency setting that serves the child welfare system. Practice play therapy for children ages 3-13. Work with families for reunification. Most adult clients dealing with substance abuse recovery.

BENEDICT’S MONASTERY, St. Joseph, MN 1997 - 1998
Author, Resident Scholar, Therapist

• Living and studying spirituality and alternative healing at St. Benedict’s Monastery. Psychotherapist for adults and children, leading workshops and training. Supervision for spiritual directors.

LYDIA HOME ASSOCIATION, Chicago, IL, 1987 - 1997
Consulting Psychotherapist/Program Development (2/88-10/97)
Treatment Director/Social Services Director (3/87-2/88)                  

• Residential care facility for abused children. Supervisory psychotherapy for specialized cases, evaluations and consultant to Foster Care Program. Developed volunteer training manual and wrote accreditation program for Counsel of Accreditation for National Child Welfare Association, 1/96-10/97. Formerly responsible for development of complete in-house treatment program. Activities included diagnostic, treatment recommendations and case supervision for M.S.W. staff. 

LUTHERAN GENERAL HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF NURSING, Park Ridge, IL, 1987-1988
Associate Professor

• Development and presentation of course work focusing on the family life cycle and interventions relating to medical crises.

Education

THE MILLTOWN INSTITUTE - Dublin, Ireland,  1/2016
Masters in Research - Spirituality

C.G. JUNG INSTITUTE -  Chicago, IL, Ongoing
Seminars in Analytic Psychology and Integrative Issues

REIKI MASTER -  Chicago, IL, 2000
Certification in level three of Reiki Energy/Body Work

ANNA FREUD CLINIC -  London, England,  7/1988
Anna Freud Diagnostic Model

GEORGE WILLIAMS COLLEGE -  Downers Grove, IL, 6/1982
Masters of Science/Counseling Psychology

TRINITY COLLEGE -  Deerfield, IL, 1/1976
Bachelors of Arts/Psychology

L’ABRI FELLOWSHIP - Huemoz, Switzerland, 7/72 -7/73
Studies in Apologetics, Philosophy and Theology

Licensure

National Certified Counselor, #16276
1998    Licensed Certified Professional Counselor

AFFILIATIONS:
1985 – present    American Association for Counseling and Development
1986 – present    Illinois Association for Counseling and Development

References           

Personal and Professional available upon request.