Shadee Hardy, Psychotherapist in Minneapolis, 55403

Shadee A. Hardy, MSW, LICSW

Profession(s):
Psychotherapy, Clinical Social Work
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker - 17088

My Approach to Helping

I believe the foundation of individual mental health is a positive relationship with self. The relationship with self impacts our relationships with others; choices we make; expectations we set for self and others; and how we view reality. My approach is holistic and demonstrates a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of each individual. I provide a warm, radically genuine, validating environment in which we can safely explore that which is, and is not, working. I find that healing is enhanced when mind, body, and spirit are integrated. My approach is based in mindfulness and informed by both western philosophies (cognitive behavioral theory) and eastern philosophies (yoga psychotherapy, CAM, for example).

I believe that my clients come to me already possessing that which will ultimately help them to heal. I see therapy as a process of enhancing access to the pertinent internal information necessary to both survive and thrive. In addition to this, it is helpful to identify counterproductive or irrational beliefs and thoughts that tend to drive problematic behaviors. The foundation of my work is cognitive behavioral theory which focuses on the ways that thoughts and behaviors interrelate. Affecting change over counterproductive thoughts can lead to change in problematic behaviors. One can also affect desired change by increasing mindful attention to internal/external experiences; developing self-acceptance and the ability to self-validate; staying present vs. focusing on the past or worrying about the future; developing willingness for experiencing emotions and learning from the powerful information they possess; and increasing tolerance and acceptance for challenges and painful experiences.

My approach also assists clients in lessening attachments to confining, limiting identities and ways of describing the self. My ultimate goal is to assist my clients in developing tools and skills to achieve and maintain a sense of balance, and to cultivate the wisdom necessary for lifelong growth and development.