Sharon F. Clevenger, DSc, MSN, MA, CARN-AP, PMHCNS-BC, NP

Dr. Sharon Clevenger has a Doctor of Science in Integrative Healthcare and is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and senior clinical supervisor for the Indiana Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). The Center specializes in psychiatric medication management and Integrative Functional Medicine approaches that combine cognitive behavioral psychotherapy, psychiatric medications when needed, gastrointestinal and nutritional factors that contribute to illness. Specialty genetic or nutrient testing might be ordered to evaluate your bodies ability to use nutrients from foods, and to evaluate how your DNA may affect your mood and health. DNA testing uses a mouth swab in your own home or right here in our office! Your genetic information is evaluated in conjunction with your own unique story, experiences and environmental factors to help guide treatment decisions, and possibly even determine why you are vulnerable to certain symptoms, and what medication, or nutritional supplements, might be the best option for you.

Dr. Clevenger's specialties include: CBT for Reintegration issues with Military Members and Their Families, Pre-Deployment Preparation, Post-Deployment Reintegration issues and Resilience Development for Law Enforcement Officers and their Family Members. She is an internationally recognized expert in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and has published books, professional chapters and articles on the subject including Living and Surviving in Harms Way: A Psychological Treatment Manual for Pre and Post-Deployment of Military Members, Beating the Beast of Depression: Treatments that Work and Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Nursing Practice.

Dr. Clevenger is certified as an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist/Nurse Practitioner and as an Advanced Practice Certified Addiction Nurse Practitioner. She has a two Master's degrees: Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology through the Adler School of Professional Psychology, and Advanced Practice Psychiatric nursing at the University of Pennsylvania, she earned her Doctor of Science degree in Integrative Healthcare at Huntington University of Health Sciences in Knoxville, Tennessee. She teaches internationally as well across the United States.

Maralissa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She considers herself a therapist with an eclectic therapy style and is passionate about working with clients through the “grid of life.” Maralissa has worked in the counseling field since her undergraduate years (2005). She went on to receive her degree in Psychology, followed by her Masters in Mental Health Counseling. She has resided in Fort Wayne since 2nd grade and thus has come to know the area, the people, and resources well. She has worked with children, teens, and adults in all walks of life… focusing on overcoming symptoms of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse issues. Maralissa has received her certification in Sexually Abusive Youth Counseling (CSAYC) and is currently working towards her certification in EMDR therapy. She continues to expand her knowledge and skills in using TF-CBT, DBT, and play methods. She enjoys being playful and creative yet practical and collaborative in her therapy approach. Maralissa’s strength lies in strong interpersonal skills and dedication for helping individuals see their own power within.

Sue Puff is a licensed social worker and a licensed marriage and family therapist. She is a Diplomate in the American Psychotherapy Association (since 2006), a member of the American College of Forensic Examiners (since 2010), and a member of ATSA (The Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers). Sue and her late-husband, Bill Blanks, founded The Phoenix Institute, a therapeutic foster care agency, where Sue was the CEO/President for over 24 years. Sue has a passion for those impacted by trauma and those suffering from depression and anxiety. She specializes in those suffering from grief, loss and attachment problems. Sue modifies her therapeutic approach to therapy based on what is best suited for each individual. Sue enjoys working with adults, youth and families and focuses on the inherent strengths in each individual.

Melissa has lived in Fort Wayne her entire life. She received her undergrad in Psychology from Purdue FW in 2001 and completed her master’s degree in Mental health counseling from Ball State University in Muncie, IN in 2003. She became a licensed mental health counselor in 2005.

Melissa has been a counselor since 2003 and considers her therapy style to be eclectic with a strong emphasis on cognitive behavioral therapy. She has worked primarily with adults and teens who have struggled with a variety of different mental health and addiction issues.

In her free time she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, travel and crafts.

My focus is on developing and maintaining healthy relationships with self, with others and the world around us. I work primarily with adults and couples. My primary focus as a therapist has been helping clients understand how their self-defeating behaviors in the present were at one point creative, adaptive ways of coping, problem solving and surviving in the past. Coming from a strengths perspective, sessions will focus on your needs from the beginning. We will learn and work together to help you become equipped and empowered with the skills, tools and resources you need to move forward successfully on your life journey.

The majority of my work has focused on assisting clients begin their lifelong sobriety and mental health journeys. I have worked in detox, residential, inpatient and outpatient substance abuse and mental health services for over 30 years. I particularly enjoy working with clients struggling with chronic relapse issues. I consider it an honor and a privilege to get to know and work with every one of my clients.