Hi, I'm Sharnise Hendrick.
Co-owner of Lotus Embodied Counseling.
I am an LCPC, RYT500, EMDR Certified, EMDRIA - Approved EMDR Consultant.
I help clients reconnect with their bodies in the present to process painful experiences from their past.
I am passionate about working with adults who experience dissociation related to past sexual abuse, neglect, disruptions to early attachment, and/or organizational, narcissistic, and sadistic abuse. Feeling disconnected from your physical and emotional experiences is a common outcome of living in a prolonged state of survival due to past situations of terror.
NOTE: Please understand that I maintain a limited caseload specific to the above concerns and I will not be able to accommodate all requests.
In addition, to talk therapy, I offer yoga to those who wish to explore reconnection to self via mindful movement.
I am also EMDR Certified and have completed advanced training in EMDR for dissociative disorders, eating disorders, attachment, and personality disorders.
What to expect from me
I’ll support you in finding a home in yourself by reconnecting with your body and creating safety by being grounded in the present moment.
I’ll be right alongside you as you explore and process past life events and the impact these events have had on your relationship with yourself and others.
Together, we will collaborate to identify your goals, values, and needs and explore mindful ways to enhance your quality of life.
I believe you have the ability to change and grow. We will work together to acknowledge, reinforce and expand the abilities you already have but may not even realize.
My Style
Trauma is how you respond to what happened to you; it is not who you are.
I am interested in learning about you as a whole person, not just your trauma history. I will meet you where you are, and we can take as much time as you need to prepare for processing work.
My approach to therapy respects the necessary therapeutic processes, however, I am not rigid in prescribing homework or overly structured sessions. You are unique and we will find the pace that works best for you.
Although the concerns addressed in therapy may be heavy and quite serious, I’ll encourage us to find joy and invite laughter into the therapy room.
As humans, we have a built-in ability to heal–and humor and laughter are part of that!
We would be a great fit if:
You are seeking treatment specifically for managing trauma-related dissociation
You experienced repeated negative life events throughout your childhood
You feel disconnected or detached from your daily experiences
You have tried therapy in the past and still feel that past trauma is unresolved
My Story
I opened Lotus Embodied Counseling in 2021 with the mission of providing accessible treatment of trauma to complex trauma survivors. I am passionate about working with adults who experience dissociation and identify as survivors of childhood sexual abuse, incest, and neglect. I believe that the absence of safety and protection during childhood can be acknowledged, mourned, and organized alongside the ability to restore power and safety in your adult life.
Through my work and lived experience, I learned that we cannot talk ourselves out of trauma. I believe that we can not be safe until we feel safe within ourselves. This is why I am passionate about incorporating the body in the healing process.
Outside of providing therapy, I take pride in being an auntie to a few cool kids. I enjoy purchasing books quicker than I can finish a current read and spending quiet moments with people and animals. Yoga, weightlifting, and lots of laughter keep me grounded and energized to do this work with the clients I have the pleasure of sharing space with.
More about my background & training
I earned my bachelor of science in psychology with a minor in family studies from Towson University. From there, I earned my master's degree in Applied Psychology with a specialization in Counseling from the University of Baltimore.
I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Maryland
I am an EMDR Certified Therapist and an EMDRIA-approved EMDR Consultant. I offer consultation to therapists who have completed EMDR Basic Training.
I am a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500), and a 300-hour Trauma Sensitive Yoga Facilitator (TCTSY-F) through the Center for Trauma and Embodiment at Justice Resource Institute.
I have advanced training in EMDR for dissociative disorders, attachment concerns, eating disorders, and personality disorders. I have completed continued training in the treatment of dissociative identity disorder and other dissociative disorders.
I am an adjunct professor at Towson University where I teach a graduate course in the treatment of trauma. I enjoy supporting the education of both clients and fellow clinicians.
Ready to get started?