Sharon  Myers

Name: Dr. Sharon Myers
Area:  Counselling
Phone: 506-453-4605
Fax:    506-453-3569
Contact Sharon

Education Summary:

1995         Ed.D.     Counselling and Consulting Psychology Harvard University
1988         M.Ed.     Counselling and Consulting Psychology Harvard University
1980         M.Ed.     School Counselling University of Ottawa
1979         B.A.       Psychology and English University of  P.E.I.
1978         B.Ed.     Education and History University of P.E.I.

Graduate Thesis: Contextualizing Empathy: A Relational Study

Supervisor: Dr. Charles Ducey, Harvard University

Key area(s) of interest/expertise:

Academic Interests: Counselling and Psychotherapy, Therapeutic Process, Education and Development through Relationships. Empathy in Relationships, Interpersonal Process.

Relevant Research

Myers, S.A.  & White, C.M.  (2012). Tuning in with the third ear: An exploration of empathy in music relationships. Journal of Humanistic Psychology. (In press)

Myers, S.A.  & White, C.M.  (2010).The abiding nature of empathic connections: A 10-year follow-up study. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 50, (1)77-95.

Myers, S. (2003). Reflections on reflecting: How self-awareness promotes personal growth. Person-Centered Journal, 10(1-2), 3-22.

Myers, S. (2003). Relational healing: To be understood and to understand. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 43(1), 86-104.

Myers, S. (2001). The other outcome: How therapists integrate their experiences with clients. In F. Columbus (Ed.), Advances in psychology research Vol. VII, (pp. 269-288). Huntington, NY: Nova Science Publishers.

Myers, S. (2000). Empathic listening: reports on the experience of being heard. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 40 (2), 148-173.

Myers, S. (1999). Empathy: Is that what I hear you saying? Person-Centered Journal, 6(2), 141-152.

Teaching:

I have taught a broad range and variety of Counselling courses at UNB. Most recently, I have taught skill-based courses in counselling and psychotherapy, including Processes and Skills in Counselling Psychology (ED 6072), Group Procedures and Skills in Counselling Psychology (ED 6049), and Interpersonal  Process and Practice in Counselling Psychology (ED 6077).

Practicum/Professional mentoring:

I have monitored student-teaching, coordinated Counselling practicums, and supervised theses and research programs for Masters and Doctoral students. My understanding of human relationships in general, and of psychotherapy in particular, has shaped my approach to all of these endeavours.

My approach to counselling and psychotherapy is firmly rooted in the principles of Humanistic Psychology which celebrates the individual as a unique being with a natural tendency toward positive growth and self-actualization. The relational nature of our existence offers each of us our greatest opportunities for both growth and struggle. In this context, I see most of the issues which clients bring to therapists as relational, and hence, I look to the therapeutic relationship itself as the best framework for conducting and understanding therapeutic work.

In terms of theory and practice, I am influenced largely by the legacy of Carl Rogers, founder of the Person-Centered Approach.  I am a firm believer in the power of the therapeutic relationship and support Rogers' necessary and sufficient conditions for effecting personality change and growth. My thinking is also informed by the writings of Freud and I incorporate many aspects of Psychoanalysis within my theoretical understanding and therapeutic approach (including the various level of conscious awareness, the therapeutic roles of transference and counter-transference, and the centrality of repetitive patterns within our lives).

Contemporary models of interpersonal therapeutic process shape my understanding of therapy as an interactive, dynamic collaboration. As a therapist I work hard to enter the client's experiential world with a view to broadening and deepening client understanding and perspective on self. I view the client's presentation in therapy as a microcosm of his/her way of being in the world. I believe that the client's capacity for relationship within the therapeutic framework represents the best avenue through which to effect positive growth and development in the broader context outside of therapy.

Self-awareness and self-acceptance, a non-judgemental world view, empathy for self and others, and a capacity to listen responsively are the therapeutic qualities which I endeavour to nurture in myself and in my students. In my own experience, these attributes have proven most effective in terms of establishing therapeutic bonds with clients and with helping them to move toward fuller, more satisfying lives.

Professional practice, committees, volunteer work summary

I have worked as a high-school teacher and counsellor, a clinician in university and college settings, and as a psychologist in private industry.

I have served on a variety of Faculty and University committees at UNB.

Membership in Professional and Learned Societies:

Licensed Psychologist, Province of New Brunswick (as of June, 2004)
Canadian Psychologists Association (Member # 30000101437)
American Psychologists Association (Member # 8189-8634)
Registered Psychologist, Province of P.E.I.
Assc. for the Development of the Person-Centered Approach
Eastern Psychological Association