Mariann Shapiro

MFA, MA, LMHC, TEP

Mariannʼs strengths come through in her ability to connect with others, working intuitively and creatively within the group with the challenges that arise while bringing enthusiasm, sensitivity, intelligence, vulnerability, and humor to the change process. Her background is in the creative arts, mental health counseling, and group processes.

Mariann earned a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts and a Teaching Certification in 1972 from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She earned a Master’s Degree in Fine Arts in Painting and Drawing from York University in Ontario, Canada in 1976. She taught Art and Humanities part-time at Whatcom Community College, 1982-1985. She practiced as a Certified Acupressure Practitioner, a form of mind body work incorporating Chinese Five Element Theory and emotional health from 1985-2000, during this time she held a Washington State Massage License.

Mariann earned a Masters Degree in Psychology and Counseling from Antioch University in Seattle in 1989. Since then she is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a full time private practice in Skagit County.  In 2005, Mariann became a Board Certified Practitioner and in 2009 a Board Certified Trainer and Teacher of Psychodrama, Group Psychotherapy, and Sociometry. From 2017-2020 she served on the Executive Council of the American Society of Group Psychotherapy and Psychodrama. She current serves on the Board of Directors for the Jacob and Zerka Moreno Legacy Foundation. She is an Adjunct Professor at Antioch University Seattle, teaching Psychodrama in the Drama Therapy Department.  She and Bob have been co-facilitating Psychodrama groups and workshops since 2000, before that they facilitated Interactive Focusing Trainings.

Bob Shapiro

M.Ed, CP

Bob is respectful, grounded, practical, and focused as he works consciously, carefully and creatively, helping group members explore the issues they are carrying with them. His steady heartbeat holds the group well. He enjoys an active Tʼai Chi and Qi Gong teaching schedule in both Skagit and Whatcom County. His background is in conflict resolution, community organizing, and mediation. He is Certified as a Practitioner of Psychodrama, Group Psychotherapy, and Sociometry by the American Board of Examiners. Bob holds a Masterʼs Degree in Adult Education.

Bob graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Indiana University, with a Bachelor’s in Economics and Community Organizing, and with a Master’s Degree in Adult Education from Western Washington University in 2004. He Trained and Certified as a Mediator and is a Superior Court registered Family Mediator as well as Business Mediation and does this on a case by case basis. He became a Board Certified Psychodrama Practitioner in 2005. Bob owned and operated Deli Llama Wilderness Adventures for 27 years, in the Pasayten Wilderness, the Olympics, and the North Cascades.  He enjoyed these mountain trekking adventures with groups of people, serving as an outfitter and guide with his pack string of Llamas, and with Mariann's assistance.  He has been practicing Tai Chi for 50 years and teaching T’ai Chi and Qi Gong for 30 years