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Dr. Shea Tinsley      

Licensed Psychotherapist, Forensic Sexology Expert & Author of "Safe & Sound: Be Empowered to Protect Your Body"

Dr. Graham is a licensed psychotherapist currently in private practice in Charlottesville, Virginia. Holding an MS from Columbia University and a BA from the University of Virginia, Dr. Tinsley achieved a significant milestone in January 2023 by earning a doctorate in clinical sexology. The focus of their dissertation was on identifying, adapting, and integrating clinical reasoning methods into clinical sexology, aiming to enhance the quality of care provided by sex therapists. Dr. Tinsley's study is groundbreaking, introducing a collection of sexology-informed clinical reasoning principles.

Notably, their research includes the adaptation of the Learning by Concordance (LBC) model from French to English and the development of the first LBC lesson plan approved for sex therapists, utilizing the first graphical model of clinical reasoning validated by Modeling using Typified Objects (MOT). Collaborating with Dr. Bernard Charlin at the Université de Montréal, Dr. Tinsley is actively involved in ongoing research and co-authoring a paper.

Dr. Tinsley's dedication to advancing knowledge in their field is evidenced by presentations at prestigious conferences. They shared their research findings at the Black Sexuality and Educators Conference in Montreal in October 2022, followed by presentations at the Society for Sex Therapy and Research and the Society for Personality and Social Psychology in 2023. In 2021, Dr. Tinsley received a research fellowship from the California Institute of Integral Studies, delving into sexual preferences across sexual orientations.

The founder of Soulful Wellness, a private group practice established in 2018, Dr. Tinsley oversees field practicum supervision and training for social work graduate students from Fordham University, Arizona State University, Ohio State University, and Tulane University. Beyond academic and professional pursuits, they actively contribute to social justice work, serving on the Board of Directors for Community Investment Collaborative, a nonprofit supporting under-resourced entrepreneurs, especially women and people of color.

Acknowledging their expertise, Dr. Tinsley became a forensic expert appointed under Virginia Code §19.2-300 in 2023. This designation enables them to serve as an expert witness in court cases involving sexual abuse or rape. Leveraging their extensive career and research experience, Dr. Tinsley embarked on the creation of a manuscript titled 'Safe and Sound,' a book on body safety for children and families. Unique in the market, this picture book is authored by a subject expert and aims to impart crucial lessons in an age-appropriate manner.

Recognizing the potential impact of 'Safe and Sound,' Dr. Tinsley seeks representation from a literary agent to expand its reach. With a 14-year career, they have cultivated a modest local following on Instagram and maintain a mailing list of 5k people. While an expert in mental health, Dr. Tinsley acknowledges the need for expertise in publishing to bring their book to a broader audience, emphasizing its potential to save lives and restore families.

Speech Topics


Feeling Racist Workshop

  • Unpacking Unconscious Bias: In Dr. Graham's Diversity and Inclusion Workshop, participants will gain a deep understanding of unconscious bias – those subtle, ingrained preferences that influence our perceptions and behaviors. Through engaging discussions and practical exercises, Dr. Graham will guide attendees in recognizing and mitigating unconscious biases, fostering a workplace where decisions are made with greater fairness and inclusivity.

  • Cultural Competence for Inclusive Collaboration: Dr. Graham's workshop will equip participants with the tools to navigate diverse cultural landscapes within the workplace. Attendees will learn how to embrace and appreciate different perspectives, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone's unique strengths contribute to the overall success of the team. Practical insights provided by Dr. Graham will enable participants to enhance their cultural competence and build more effective, inclusive working relationships.

  • Allyship in Action: Dr. Graham's workshop goes beyond theoretical discussions on allyship by providing actionable strategies for creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. Participants will learn how to actively advocate for their colleagues, recognize and address microaggressions, and contribute to a workplace culture that champions diversity. Dr. Graham's expertise will empower attendees to become effective allies, fostering a sense of belonging for all within the organization.

Compassion Fatigue Training: Equip your team with tools to manage stress, prevent burnout, and enhance overall well-being.

Embark on a transformative journey towards self-care and resilience with Dr. Graham's Compassion Fatigue Training. In this workshop, participants will explore the crucial aspects of managing compassion fatigue, equipping themselves with essential tools for maintaining well-being in high-stress environments.

  • Resilience Building: Dr. Graham, a seasoned facilitator, will guide participants in developing resilience strategies to navigate the challenges inherent in compassion-driven professions. Through interactive exercises and personalized guidance, attendees will cultivate emotional strength, enabling them to provide compassionate care while safeguarding their own mental and emotional health.

  • Sustainable Self-Care Practices: Discover sustainable self-care practices tailored to the demands of compassion-heavy roles. Dr. Graham will share evidence-based techniques for stress reduction, mindfulness, and creating healthy boundaries. Participants will leave with a personalized self-care plan, empowering them to prioritize their well-being amidst the demands of their profession.

  • Enhanced Professional Performance: Dr. Graham's Compassion Fatigue Training goes beyond personal well-being, recognizing the direct impact on professional performance. Participants will gain insights into how managing compassion fatigue leads to improved job satisfaction, enhanced communication skills, and a more resilient approach to the challenges within their field. Dr. Graham's expertise ensures that attendees emerge not only rejuvenated but also equipped to excel in their roles with renewed passion and purpose.

Join Dr. Graham in this empowering Compassion Fatigue Training to safeguard your well-being, enhance your professional performance, and foster a sustainable, compassionate approach in your work.

Navigating Grief: A Workshop for Workplace Healing with Dr. Graham

In times of loss, whether it be the passing of a coworker or a response to a national tragedy, grief can deeply impact the workplace community. Dr. Graham, a compassionate facilitator, invites you to join a healing workshop designed to support individuals and teams through the grieving process.

  • Emotional Resilience and Coping Strategies: In this workshop, Dr. Graham will guide participants in developing emotional resilience and coping strategies to navigate the challenging terrain of grief. By understanding and processing emotions in a supportive environment, attendees will gain tools to manage grief effectively, fostering a workplace culture that values emotional well-being.

  • Strengthening Team Cohesion and Support Networks: Dr. Graham will facilitate discussions and activities aimed at fostering a sense of unity and support within the team. Through shared experiences and empathetic communication, participants will strengthen their connections, creating a supportive network that enables individuals to lean on one another during times of grief and national tragedy.

  • Constructive Communication for Healing: Effective communication is paramount during times of grief. Dr. Graham's expertise will empower participants to navigate difficult conversations, express their emotions, and listen with empathy. By enhancing communication skills, the workshop ensures that teams can navigate grief together, fostering an environment where everyone feels heard and supported.

Join Dr. Graham in this invaluable workshop to discover the healing power of shared grief, learn coping strategies, strengthen team bonds, and foster a workplace culture that prioritizes the well-being of its members. Together, let us navigate the path towards healing and resilience.

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