About

My Journey to Becoming a Psychologist

My Journey to Becoming a Psychologist Hi, I’m Dr. Shana Markle, a psychologist from Westfield, IN. I live with my husband, son, and our dog, Scooter. I got my doctorate and master’s degrees in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University. My work focuses on relationships and the impact of family during formative years, and I approach therapy through a strengths based and developmental lens. Being a natural peacemaker in a challenging family environment inspired my path to psychology. My early experiences nurtured my desire to help others, leading me to a career where I could turn personal insights into professional impact. I started out providing therapy for adults with severe mental illness at a community mental health center. Later, I worked as a therapist for college students. These days I primarily work with college students and adults, helping them with issues like anxiety, self-doubt, loneliness, and navigating difficult relationships. In my private practice, I offer personalized therapy tailored to each client. Using approaches like family systems, ACT, and psychodynamic therapy, I empower clients to align their values with their growth.I offer effective therapy across a broad range of mental health concerns. Whether it’s anxiety, relationship issues, or just feeling lost, I provide compassionate therapy to help you find clarity and overcome obstacles. I aim to create a supportive, non-judgmental space in therapy, guiding you towards personal growth.

Personally, I am a big fan of running, kickboxing, chocolate, Diet Coke, sunny days on a beach, and the NY Mets (not necessarily in that order). I love getting to know people and helping them through therapy. I can’t wait to work with you as your psychologist.

Specializations in Therapy

My doctoral degree is in Counseling Psychology which emphasizes culturally-informed, strengths-based, talk therapy with a focus on developmental changes throughout the lifespan.

A counseling psychologist is specifically trained to help others through the use of talk therapy, which differs from clinical psychologists whose training primarily emphasizes treating pathology. There are numerous theories and approaches of how talk therapy can be helpful. My approach is considered Humanistic and blends concepts from family systems, existential therapy, psychodynamic therapies, as well as ACT and solution-focused therapy.

In essence, I learn about the context in which you were raised during your formative years and listen for implicit and explicit messages you internalized. I look for themes and patterns in how you relate to others and the world (which also includes strengths!). Through our conversations I identify congruence or incongruence with values you hold and also identify unmet needs that may be contributing to your presenting concern. The information is instrumental in clarifying, restoring, accepting, understanding, mourning, and ultimately allowing you to be the person you are meant to be!

Professional Qualifications

I am a licensed counseling psychologist in Indiana (License #20042432A) and Authorized to Practice Interjurisdictional Teletherapy (Apit #11975) with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. Some of my professional experiences include: Practicing Psychologist and Associate Director of a private university counseling center, Evaluate and Educate Clients With Substance Use Concerns, Liaison for Division I Athletes at a College Athletics Department, Supervise and Train Master’s-level and Doctoral-level Graduate Student Therapists, Provide Services for Adults with Persistent and Severe Mental Health Problems at a Partial Hospital Program, and Manager of Community Mental Health Center Residential Services.

Academic Qualifications

I earned my doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from Ball State University in 2009 and received my master’s degree in Counseling in 1998. Some of my training experiences included: outpatient therapy for adults and children in a community mental health center, outpatient therapy for underserved adults and children in a community clinic, university counseling center (individual therapy, group therapy, education & outreach), and instructed undergraduate students in psychology courses.

Guiding Philosophy

My Guiding philosophy is to treat clients the way I would want my own family to be treated. I believe a therapist can only facilitate a client’s growth as far as they are willing to go themselves. Therefore, I prioritize openness, authenticity, and vulnerability in our sessions. Interventions must consider individual values; otherwise, counseling can feel sterile and disconnected.

There’s this quote by Brené Brown that really speaks to me: “Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing we will ever do.” I try to embody that sentiment in my approach.

The best part of my job is seeing my clients truly discover who they are and gain confidence – sometimes for the first time. It’s so fulfilling to be able to support them on their journey towards self-acceptance and growth.