About Shelley Maurice-MaierShelley Maurice-Maier first received Christ as her personal Savior in her 30s, but it wasn't until she had a miraculous healing herself, years later, that she began to fully understand how God was working in her life. On her journey to becoming a Christian-based psychotherapist, Shelley Maurice- Maier experienced early childhood molestation, chronic illness, cancer, seven major surgeries, divorce and a near death experience. Since 1983, Shelley Maurice-Maier has been a board certified, licensed Physician's Assistant (PA) in family medicine, with special interests in women's health, chronic illness, pain control, grief counseling, anxiety and depression. In 1994, the focus of her practice changed after she received a healing from the autoimmune disorder, eosinophilic gastroenteritis (EG), she had had since childhood. She received further training in Eriksonian mental health counseling, and was granted an extended medical practice description of "insight behavioral psychotherapist" by the Oregon Board of Medical Examiners. She is the only PA psychotherapist in the country with that distinction. "Although not completely cured from other ongoing medical challenges, I no longer have debilitating symptoms and pain from the EG. I believe the medicines I take each day are a part of God's natural healing process as well as providing for my continuing recovery and wellness, as are my thoughts and feelings about my health. The most important part of this process is that I feel spiritually healed. When I finally grasped the difference God's Forgiveness and Salvation could make in my physical and mental health, I choose to submit the remainder of my personal and professional life to His service." After her healing, Shelley Maurice-Maier dedicated her life to sharing her spiritual insights with others through her counseling practice. "Rather than simply listening and attending to my patients' anatomical hearts, my passion was to focus on their psychological and spiritual hearts as well," she said. As she evolved into a Christ-focused therapist, Shelley Maurice-Maier discovered the power of understanding the "soul work" necessary to complement psychological, physical and spiritual healing. "My therapeutic techniques now incorporate Scripture, and during a session I make every effort to treat my clients as active, not passive recipients of God's Word," she said. Shelley Maurice-Maier's new book, The Soul Factor, educates the reader about the importance of the Holy Spirit's role in our soul's work toward health and healing. She defines the "soul" as an individual's thoughts (intellect), will and emotions. "Ultimately, it's our responsibility to chose to influence our soul by submitting it to God's word so we can become healthier human beings, capable of doing His will. I call this "The Soul Factor," she said. Her first book, The Sampler: Ten Life-Enhancing Concepts Right at Your Fingertips, uses biblical insights and life stories as a guide to living a healthier, happier life by making better mental, physical and spiritual choices. The Soul Factor delves even more deeply into the difference a personal relationship with Christ can make on our entire well being. Shelley is a gracious, warm and compassionate therapist with a great sense of humor. She lives with her husband, Kenneth Maier, MD in Bend, Oregon where she is an inspirational speaker, an accomplished singer, avid horsewoman and community volunteer. Her practice, The Heart of Health, Inc. conducts workshops and retreats through her ministry, The Heart of Hope and Healing, communicating God's message of love and forgiveness to those interested in getting to the heart of hope and healing. The Soul Factor is now available - Order here |
