John Steven Shealy, PhD

Biography
Psychotherapist
I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of South Florida, completed my internship at the USF Counseling Center for Human Development. I practiced as a licensed psychologist in the Tampa Bay area from 1991 to 2008 and was a member of the American Psychological Association, a "Qualified Supervisor" for Licensed Mental Health Counselors and offered Continuing Education Courses for Licensed Psychotherapists (i.e. Psychologists, LCSW, MHC, MFT) and Allied Professionals (Nurse Midwife, School Psychologist, Dietitian/Nutritionist).
For almost 20 years, I specialized in insight-oriented adult psychotherapy, mindfulness-based psychotherapy techniques, and other complimentary treatments aimed at long-term relief of anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, chronic pain, fatigue and stress-related physical disorders. Individuals exploring meaning-of-life issues or their higher spiritual yearnings and those seeking to enhance their intimate partnerships and their overall quality of life have also benefited from my approach.

My model of psychotherapy was built upon a foundation of mindful inner stillness and a confidence that facilitated self-exploration can allow one to process losses, clarify assumptions, broaden perspectives, and make effective career and life transitions, all while learning effective communication and life-long self-care skills. I had a wonderful 20 years of professional practice and am deeply grateful to those who worked with me and wish you the best as you continue on your life's journey. See Curriculum Vitae
Meditation Teacher
I am the founder and president of Flowing Dharma, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation serving the Tampa Bay area and, more recently, indigenous communities whose cultures are grounded in non-dual practices. I have been practicing Mindfulness (Insight) Meditation primarily in the Theravadan tradition since 1990, attending silent retreats from three to 30 days in length with a variety of ordained and lay teachers around the country. I continue my daily sitting practice while exploring and experiencing the non-dual practices of other cultures.

While I am not currently teaching meditation in a formal way, I have taught meditation in a number of formats over the years. My teaching style has been said to be gentle but disciplined, laid-back but clearly focused. While drawing primarily from the Theravadan tradition, I would also weave Mahayana (e.g., Thich Nhat Hanh) and Vajrayana (e.g., Pema Chodron) teachings into my practice and teachings. I have had a strong interest in sharing effective tools for taking the practice into everyday life (e.g., Metta, walking and eating meditation, concentration exercises) and in researching the integration of psychotherapy and meditation practices from the perspectives of both the professional literature and my personal experiences with clients and students.

I completed a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training program during the time of my active involvement with the Lotus Room Yoga Studio and continue to practice yoga in the Anusara and Iyengar styles. Primarily, I have shared my love of Hatha yoga and Mindfulness meditation in the integrated Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programs. Over the years, I had two amazingly talented co-leaders in these programs, Lena Koob-Emunds and Beth Meeker. They are both still sharing their love of mindfulness with the Tampa community. I recommend them both to you as inspiring guides for more mindful, productive living.