Shelly Lear, Psy.D.

I joined the staff at Counseling & Psychological Services in 2000, and am the Associate Director.  I have a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, with a specialty in family and couples therapy. 

Prior to finishing my graduate program, I worked 17 years in inpatient drug and alcohol treatment programs, outpatient mental health centers and college counseling.  My theoretical orientation is Integrative, meaning that I see value in a variety of therapy approaches (including family systems, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, feminist, solution-oriented, psychodynamic and twelve-step philosophies) and seek to use the approach best suited to the person and to the particular concerns s/he brings to counseling.  I am interested in a wide variety of professional topics, including relationship concerns, women’s issues, diversity issues, substance abuse, LGBTQ issues, rural psychology, professional ethics, eating disorders & body image concerns, grief/bereavement, anxiety and depression.  I coordinate our clinical programs at the Counseling Center, and our outreach efforts for eating and body image issues.  I enjoy working with Colgate students -- some of the best and brightest young adults I've ever known.

I'm originally from Pittsburgh, PA and have lived in Minnesota, Montana, and Colombia, South America, as well as in the Finger Lakes area of New York.  Although a little “rusty” now, I used to be fluent in Spanish, and like to get the chance to practice conversational Spanish when I can.  I’m partial to quilting/sewing, gardening, reading, needlework, and computer stuff.  I'm still a dedicated Steeler, Pirates and Penguins fan. 

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