SPEAKER. WRITER. PSYCHOTHERAPIST.
DR. SHERRY E. SHOWALTER, Ph.D., LCSW, BCD, M.Msc.
Dr. Sherry E. Showalter, Ph.D. LCSW, M.Msc. is an Eastern Band Cherokee woman who is inspired by American Indian ritual, spirituality, healing ways and ceremony in her work as a licensed clinical social worker in Hospice care and private practice. Dr. Showalter believes the journey to healing the pain of illness, chronic losses, dying/death, grief, transition and growth begins with providing a sacred, safe forum for people to know they are cared about, and given the means to walk their own very personal path with a guide when needed along their journey. She is a member of the National Hospice Organization and the National Association of Social Work. She has worked intensively with patients and families at the most intimate and vulnerable time of their lives. She has studied, taught and written about the unique and incredible experiences that she has shared along the way. The "real experts", those patients and families that are walking the last journey of life as it is known on this level have taught her well. Dr. Showalter often says, "I am continually amazed at the resiliency of the human spirit."
Dr. Showalter received the 2001 Heart of Hospice Award for her outstanding contributions to the hospice community in the area of Psychosocial Spiritual Care-giving. The National Council of Hospice and Palliative Care Organization's Board of Directors chose her for this esteemed award, along with letters of support from those who know her and have been touched by her work.
Dr. Showalter is engaged in private practice in Tarpon Springs, Florida. She is a nationally recognized speaker and has co-authored her first children's book with her cherished kindred spirit, Nancy Magazine Trager, tentatively entitled "Turtle Rose and Tribe" to be published by The Brookfield Reader. In addition she has just completed her book entitled, "Krumpled Kleenex"; stories of healing through heartache, and is anticipating its publication soon. She speaks nationally and locally on issues surrounding loss, grief, trauma, healing, growth, humor, coping and transition. She has been published numerous times, her most recent article, "Not In My Family" will be published in Healing Ministry Journal in the May/June 2001 Journal. Through storytelling, ritual and a gestalt approach Dr. Showalter tailors her speaking engagements with programs to best serve the needs of individuals and groups.
TESTIMONIALS
“[Sherry is an] exceptionally energetic and enthusiastic teacher/healer in the field of loss and grief… she accepted her calling and is invaluable to many”
- Eileen Dohmann, Vice-President Nursing, Mary Washington Hospital, Fredericksburg, Va.
“Dear Sherry, Squaw Woman, Healer of Souls, soother of troubled hearts... The Gods must have sent you to me and my families, for you indeed make the part of living that is dying an unforgettable and deeply spiritual experience.”
- The Old Woman, Shirley, Arlington, VA
“It has to be her passion, her humor, her zest. If passion had color, and humor had passion, Sherry would find it, wear it, weave it into her day and make you want it as your own. She sweeps aching hearts along a journey of recognition and integration with such energy and finesse that pain becomes a beautiful and vibrant fiber skillfully woven through the very fabric of the person who now must face the world through eyes of loss.”
- Maggie Callanan,RN, author; Final Gifts and Final Journeys
“She used her Native American spirituality and social work skills to reach beyond cultural/religious views while allowing my friend to express and cope with suddenly saying goodbye to many friends and family. My friend referred to Ms. Showalter as her spiritual advisor, sharing her thoughts, hopes and fears. She continued to give support, counseling, storytelling and rituals to facilitate healing to Susie and those who loved her. Sherry attended the funeral service as well Susie was cremated holding a medicine wheel that Ms. Showalter had made for her to take into the spirit world. She is an extraordinary woman who made an indelible impression on all of us who had contact with her during this difficult time.”
- William V. Roth, Jr. U.S. Senate