John Steven Shealy, PhD

Current Interests

Beginning in late 2006, along with his wife Jordan, I have been exploring options for establishing a deep level of connection with the peoples of developing countries with an eye toward establishing a lifestyle built around service to these populations. In early 2008, we began the application process for becoming Volunteers in the Peace Corps (read essays). Currently, we are working through the medical clearance process required for a placement in Africa that is expected to begin (God willing) in the Spring of 2009. In the mean time, we are exploring opportunities for service in South America with indigenous communities. We plan to share our experiences via a blog of some sort and to offer opportunities for involvement and support of projects as they materialize.

Psychotherapist
Dr. John Steven Shealy earned his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at the University of South Florida, completed his internship at the USF Counseling Center for Human Development. He has been practicing as a licensed psychologist in the Tampa Bay area since 1991. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, is a "Qualified Supervisor" for Licensed Mental Health Counselors and has offered Continuing Education Courses for Licensed Psychotherapists (i.e. Psychologist, LCSW, MHC, MFT) and Allied Professionals (Nurse Midwife, School Psychologist, Dietitian/Nutritionist).

For almost 20 years, Dr. Shealy specialized in insight-oriented adult psychotherapy, mindfulness-based therapy 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 self-esteem, intimate partnerships, or overall quality of life have also benefited from Dr. Shealy’s holistic, mindfulness-based approach.

His model of psychotherapy is built upon a foundation of mindful inner stillness, 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.

To See Curriculum Vitae

Meditation Teacher

Dr. Shealy is the founder and guiding teacher of Flowing Dharma, Inc. a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation serving the Tampa Bay area. He has been practicing Mindfulness (Insight) Meditation primary 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.

While he is not currently teaching in a formal way, Dr. Shealy has taught meditation in a number of formats over the years. His teaching style is gentle but disciplined, laid-back but clearly focused. While drawing primarily from the Theravadan tradition, he also weaves Mahayana (e.g. Thich Nhat Hanh) and Vajrayana (e.g. Pema Chodron) teachings into his practice and his teachings. He has explored his 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 his personal experiences with clients and students.

He has completed a 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training program and continues to study in the Anusara and Iyengar styles. Over the years, he has shared his love of Hatha yoga and Mindfulness meditation in the integrated Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction programs that he has offered.

Back to Homepage