Margaret Manning-Shull

Education and Professional Background

Margaret Manning-Shull has worked in human services for over 20 years as a former pastor, writer and speaker. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA. Margaret has also earned two Masters degrees; a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary in South Hamilton, MA and a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Washington University. Prior to starting her private practice in 2019, Margaret completed a year-long internship as a behavioral specialist at Touchstone Health Clinic, an integrative health care clinic in Blaine, WA.

Treatment Philosophy

I use an integrative approach to counseling drawing from facets of many different perspectives including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based therapy, Existential/Person-centered therapy and Lifespan Integration therapy (www.lifespanintegration.com). I am currently undertaking ongoing training in both Lifespan Integration Therapy and CIMBS (Complex Integration of Multiple Brain Systems) https://complexintegrationmbs.com/ .

Regardless of the treatment approach, I seek to create a collaborative space in which clients feel safe, heard, and seen. Assisting clients in listening to their own lives is where treasures of deep wisdom, true self-worth and compassion can be found. Accessing these treasures enables the possibility for change and growth even when the circumstances and events of our lives are overwhelming.

My background as a religious professional has contributed to an interest in working with people of all faiths—particularly those who have been negatively impacted by religious institutions. Whether you have a religious faith or no faith at all, I seek to listen with you for the ways in which your unique values, beliefs and practices impact your well-being and shape the ways in which you understand your unique strengths and manage your particular challenges.

Areas of Specialty

Currently, Margaret works with young adults (18 and older), individuals and couples who are experiencing the following types of issues:

Anxiety and trauma

Depression

Communication and relationship issues

Life transitions, grief and loss

Adjustment and interpersonal problems

Building emotional intelligence

Attentional/organizational difficulties (ADD/ADHD)

Body-mind integration and wholeness

Religious or institutional forms of betrayal

Areas of special interest

• Adjustment and interpersonal problems
• Anxiety and trauma
• Attentional/organizational difficulties (ADD/ADHD)
• Body-mind integration and wholeness
• Building emotional intelligence
• Communication and relationship issues
• Depression
• Grief and Loss
• Life Transitions
• Religious or institutional forms of betrayal