Transforming Loss and Trauma into New Energy and Purpose.

Take the time needed to find your path as you move forward.

Six common questions and answers every woman navigating and recovering from a toxic relationship has but may be afraid to ask.

Donna Shin's New Book: My Mystical Path

In my inspirational memoir, I share my own hero’s  journey, modeled after Joseph Campbell’s mythological journey. It is a universal story of  overcoming through the tests, fears that I, or anyone who is called to this universal path of wholeness must resolve in order to return home as a changed, equipped, and victorious soul.

Testimonials on Amazon.com

Fran
Amazon.com
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This book is about hope and redemption, with themes of loss, grief and narcissism. The author weaves wonderful examples of her life lessons, into the storyline. The book has the value of a therapy session, with so many valuable nuggets, you will want to take notes. The author also draws you in by asking thought provoking questions at the end of every chapter. I highly recommend to anyone who is is in the thick of grief or trauma. This book could be your lifeline.
Betsy A. Bender
Amazon.com
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In a thoughtful, purposeful and, at times, poignant way, Donna Shin-Ward gracefully shares a lifetime of learning in her new book, My Mystical Path. Her story is very real, relatable, and relevant, a “must read” for women (and men) who’ve endured a challenging childhood, found themselves in a narcissistic relationship, or asked “is this it?” when life proved unfulfilling. Ms. Shin-Ward admits that, in hindsight, even she doesn’t know how or why her journey of introspection, learning and healing unfolded as it did. She credits her deep faith and unshakable spirituality, but readers may see a woman who can count strength beyond measure and an unrelenting dedication to personal growth among her superpowers. Regardless, Ms. Shin-Ward’s path – and the insights she shares – make for a remarkable story told with humble vulnerability. Perhaps most impressive is the ease with which Ms. Shin-Ward weaves the teachings, perspectives, and quotes of a wide variety of teachers, authors, spiritual leaders, priests, pastors, mystics and others into her own narrative. She does this seamlessly and with the voice of a friend. Despite her extensive references to scripture and other writings, readers need not fear being lectured. On the contrary, Ms. Shin-Ward offers three questions at the end of each chapter for the reader’s own exploration, making it easy to ponder the applicability of what she offers to one’s own situation. In the preface, Ms. Shin-Ward calls the book her “legacy of love,” which might otherwise be known as a gift. It truly is that, and one that continues to give with each chapter. Readers seeking perspective, looking for inspiration, or ready to grow into their best selves deserve the benefit of My Mystical Path.
Barbara Hall
Amazon.com
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I love this book! You may think you’ve read all the spiritual books you need but this one will surprise you! Donna Shin-Ward’s story is told in a unique way, taking us on a journey with her. She has an amazing gift of combining her therapist knowledge with her spiritual “knowing”, and weaving this story with love and clarity. It is written for every person who has a story and how to embrace your own unique path. Once started you’ll be unable to put it down. One of the most beautifully written stories I’ve read and will read again and again. Her courage is undeniable and she is offering any one who reads this incredible journey to take it with her. You’ll laugh and sometimes cry as she tells so honestly how hard it can be to walk your own path. She reminds us though that we each have a story and we can find grace and love in our own lessons too! Donna Shin-Ward has given us a gift from her heart and we are forever blessed!
Laura B.
Amazon.com
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This book was so inspiring and uplifting for me! Donna tells her story so eloquently and with such candour. Her love and faith and trust in the Lord truly touched my heart. A must read for anybody searching for more love and meaning in their life. God bless you Donna and thanks for touching my heart with your beautiful book.❤️
C. Lehr
Amazon.com
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A beautiful book and shared journey of personal struggles and triumphs. The book is written with grace as Donna shares difficult pieces of her life that in turn help her flourish and grow. The chapters are divided nicely into categories with thought provoking questions keeping the reader engaged while self reflecting. This book is for anyone looking for answers and help to all of the hard things life is and leaves room for growth and a happy ending. I would highly recommend!!
Kelly J. Prambe
Amazon.com
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Excellent cover! Great title. I enjoyed reading this memoir and loved how the author was a therapist yet still brave enough to explore her struggles and reality. I was inspired reading the chapters and felt like it was worth my time to finish the book.
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It take grace and guts to move from surviving to thriving. We do this by becoming aware, getting educated and by….

Honoring
Self

Honoring your truth and your feelings, learning to love and take care of yourself is not optional to be mentally and emotionally healthy. This is never more true than when you are in or recovering from an emotionally toxic relationship. You are suffering. Suffering is not meant to be endured. It is meant to be shared and transformed into an action plan and into growth and wisdom. Learning to love yourself, which is often misunderstood is not selfish. Let’s embrace healthy and humble love for self that flows into learning how to speak your truth and implement healthy boundaries.

Speak kindly to yourself with self-compassion now more than ever. There will be time to be with and process all of your feelings in recovery. You need space, you need rest to be able to stand up to your own internal accusers and real life abusers.

Reconciling Trauma

None of us are immune to trauma, it is a natural part of our human journey. Research tells us ( Sandra Brown, MA ) that 90% of survivors of pathological love relationships have trauma symptoms and 50-75% of them have full blown PTSD or C-PTSD. Trauma creates disconnection, fragmentation and sometimes dissociation within oneself, with others, or even with God. When healing narcissistic and emotional abuse talk therapy is not enough. The abuse is an assault on the soul and effects your physical body, thoughts, breaks your heart and is very difficult to reconcile.

The scientifically based brain and body therapy, Brainspotting, I utilize in my work bypasses the neocortex of the brain, where talk therapy happens, and reaches deeper into the subcortical brain where the upsetting memories, unprocessed emotions and trauma are stored. My holistic approach takes the best of brain-based, talk therapy, and other mind, body, spirit tools to allow you to access your brain’s self-scanning, self-healing properties.

Transforming Loss

There are tremendous losses associated with any kind of abuse and emotional abuse is no exception. The most serious loss is the loss of self. This is true for a child with a narcissistic parent , woman, or man, in a pathological love relationship. Understanding the natural and normal process of grief and having the right support are essential in recovery. Loss, from these relationships, become a pivotal milestone in our life that changes us, our path and our story — for the better if we honor the process and ourselves in it.

If we have loved we will grieve. This is the paradox of life. Time alone does not heal grief, we must work at it. Unresolved grief can look and feel like depression and create anxiety. Gaining meaning and new perspectives from our grief experiences create vitality and new beginnings.

Donna Shin, LCPC

  • Master of Science in Pastoral Counseling 2004 , Loyola University in Maryland
  • License MD – LC2632
  • NCC – National Certified Counselor – 2004
  • Certified Wellness Coach with the International Association of Wellness Professionals (IAWP) – May 2020.
  • National Academy of Clinical Hypnosis – Certification 1478, 2004
  • Level II GIM Training  ( Guided Imagery with Music ) Mid Atlantic Training Institute 2008
  • Mastering the Meaning of Mandalas 2008 Sponsored by the Art Therapy Program of George Washington University
  • Brainspotting Certification – 2019
  • Approved Supervisor – MD Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists

Who I Serve

As a therapist licensed in the state of Maryland, I provide holistic therapy in my Towson office and via telehealth to individual clients who are seeking counseling for trauma, grief and loss, and narcissistic emotional abuse. 

I’ve created the Soul of Healing Groups, which are generally held virtually, to help women in whatever stage of recovery they are in from a toxic relationship.  All facets of recovery are addressed. See the link for Soul of Healing Groups. These groups help make a special connection with others that have experienced the same. Most of all to find meaning, purpose, and a new beginning.

As a certified wellness coach, I can meet with you via telehealth anywhere for narcissistic and emotional abuse recovery. I bring all of my holistic practices, healing tools, and twenty years of experience as a therapist to facilitate your recovery and help you move forward.  Check out my new wellness site!

My three Soul of Healing groups for narcissistic abuse recovery are available in my Towson office in a live format as well as virtually.  Pick the Right One for you.

Take the next positive step.

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