My Approach to Helping
If you’re looking for a therapy of depth, insight, and durability; if you’re seeking a highly-trained therapist with 35 years of experience who listens carefully and thoughtfully; if you’ve been disappointed by ‘quick fix’ approaches that promise much and deliver little; if you want an individualized approach designed specifically with your needs in mind, then please call me to discuss whether we might be a good fit.
I see adults, couples, and families, and, though I treat a wide variety of problems, I specialize in couple therapy and in treating trauma and substance use disorders.
I am offering both remote and in-person (with appropriate safety measures in place) sessions.
More Info About My Practice
I participate with PacificSource (including Legacy +); Kaiser PPO plans; First Choice Health Network; Aetna; Coventry. Note that many different insurance companies and third party administrators use the First Choice Health Network: check your insurance card for the FCHN logo or call Sharon for help. These include: Cypress Benefit Administrators, Meritain, Multiplan, Healthnet, UMR, Kaiser PPO plans, and others.
Many people have out-of-network benefits as well, which expands their choice of therapists. They will generally reimburse for the services of independently- licensed mental health professionals (but generally not for those with LICSWA, LMSWA, LMFTA, or LMHCA credentials or interns).
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
I see adults, couples, and families, and, though I treat a wide variety of problems, I specialize in couple therapy and in treating trauma and substance use disorders.
Recognizing the complexity of helping people sort out their personal dilemmas, I participate in ongoing professional education and consult with trusted colleagues on a regular basis. I have postgraduate certificates in Couple and Family Therapy, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, EMDR (a method of treating post-traumatic stress disorder) and hold a certification as a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC).
How Psychotherapy Can Help
I have learned to be skeptical of approaches that promise 'quick fixes.' Although it's understandable that people want to resolve the problems that bring them to therapy as quickly as possible, I believe that approaches that focus only on symptom relief are short-sighted. Ideally, clients leave psychotherapy with a richer, more complex understanding of themselves and their circumstances and in a position to cope differently with the next challenge life throws their way.
