Hi! I'm Sheila Ciminera. I am a licensed clinical social worker and owner of To Bear Witness Therapy and Training. I've been an artist since I was a teen, and my first career was in multimedia arts (graphic design and web design). After experiencing some growth and healing through my own therapy, I realized I wanted to help others seeking healing, hope, and change. I began my helping career more than 20 years ago as a punk kid working in syringe exchange. Since then, I have had the privilege of being a case manager, program developer, individual and group therapist, clinical supervisor, acudetox specialist, professor, trainer, and psychedelic informed practitioner.

 

I have worked extensively in community mental health, supportive housing, and therapeutic communities. I specialize in the following areas: trauma (including racial trauma) and oppression; helping professionals coping with vicarious trauma and empathic distress; substance use, in all stages of use; and reintegration of formerly incarcerated folks. My therapeutic background and framework is trauma-informed care, harm reduction, mindfulness, and anti-oppression. I am also strongly committed to teaching and training as a way to share knowledge with my community (and to learn from it!), so all our clients receive the best services possible. I love animals (particularly my two pitties), reading, art, photography, punk rock, memes, and retail therapy.

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