About
Do I call or not?
You think, “I must be insane for even thinking about talking to someone.” Just as you feel ready to call, not calling seems more rational. Then, you hesitate, wondering if what you’re dealing with is worth reaching out to a counselor.
After waffling, you know what you must do. It’s time to call. If you’re wondering why I relate so well, I’ve been where you are. And, NO, you’re not crazy. And, NO, you have no clue if this therapist will get it.
Answer this question, “How much longer will you stand between the two extremes?”
I promise that I don’t bite.
Clients are often nervous about coming to therapy for the first time. Their legs start shaking, and fingers begin tapping on their thighs.
The thought of sitting across from someone you don’t even know creates anxiety. You might think, “Where do I begin?” Feeling this is understandable.
You also wonder, “Why would I speak to a stranger when I can’t even speak to the people who know me?” You know, those people you feel should get you, but they don’t.
Like most relationships, it takes time to build a counseling relationship. We will spend the initial sessions simply getting to know each other.
I will help calm you and decrease those nerves.
Internally, you’ve felt overwhelmed, responsible for shouldering everyone else’s burdens. This weight produces undue amounts of stress and anxiety. Sometimes, you want to say no, but you don’t want to let your friends and family down.
It’s time to break away from being under the control of others. It’s time to stop seeking only to please them and putting your needs on the shelf. Where has it gotten you? NOWHERE! It’s time for you to take the risk to explore the person you want to be. It’s okay – you can do it.
Let’s discover the whole you.
Together, we can take a journey to wholeness, where the inner you can become aligned with the outer you. I can’t guarantee that this will be a joy ride, but if you’re open, you may be delighted to find that you like who you are underneath the surface.
Life throws us curve balls when we least expect it. It’s so hard to let any of those balls drop. I am confident that I can support you on your journey to gain control. I will help you explore new coping techniques that help you be present and face those mounting challenges.
If you are ready to do the work, I am here to help; schedule an appointment with me today.
About Me
Getting to know me a little…
I value friendship and love to see others smile. Hi, I’m Sharon.
As a Caribbean American woman of color, I understand the unique issue of having to acculturate in a new land. As a motherless daughter, I experienced the grief associated with the loss of a parent and how it affects one’s lifespan. I also understand the loss of a child through miscarriage. I get the challenges of living with a spouse with a disability.
Life can suck sometimes, and it’s important to have someone who can navigate it with you. I understand living in a state of chaos and the overwhelming anxiety that can accompany the chaos. Hence, I get the need for counseling.
Growing up with a single dad was a learning experience. I felt like an alien among the kids who had their moms. Battling depression and suicidal ideation during high school, I went to counseling, but that experience was disastrous and brief.
Out of my unusual life, I realized I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. I received my Mental Health and Human Services undergraduate from Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. I continued feeding my passion for counseling and earned a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Richmont Graduate University.
My life has been filled with many twists, turns, and delays. I attribute some of this to my self-diagnosis of ADHD. The one thing that has been constant for me has been my faith. I attended church from a young age, and my faith has anchored me.
I veered off the track to counseling to get married but returned upon encountering some challenges. My work as a legal secretary was also a growing experience.
Since getting my masters in 2016, I have experienced working with the eating disorder population. I have also worked with couples struggling with communication and trust issues.
My counseling journey also allowed me to work in an inpatient hospital. These experiences have all been a part of the journey to prepare me for private practice. I have found private practice rewarding and have enjoyed the opportunity to meet, interact with, and help clients. My goal is to help empower you to see your strengths and how you could function outside my therapy room.
Although I have endured much loss, I have learned resilience through suffering. I have found that my struggles make me human and increase my ability to connect with you. I hope we can work together to help you further understand your search for inner wisdom, insight, and perspective.
When I am not working…
I am thinking about how to be a better therapist and a better person in general. Staying in touch with family and friends is important to me. Sometimes, I try to get away with my husband, by myself, or with a girlfriend. I enjoy a ladies’ retreat in the mountains once or twice a year, where I can rejuvenate and refill. An ordered surrounding brings me peace, so I try to focus on getting organized to increase my calm and help my creativity flow.
I find mystery and whodunit-it type shows fascinating, so I may binge on shows like Dateline, Forensic Files, or Killer Couples. I also enjoy drama, medical shows, and game shows. You might catch me watching Jeopardy, Master Mind, or IdiotTest for fun. I also enjoy being pampered with manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages.
You might find me doing a crossword puzzle just for fun. Likely due to my Caribbean heritage, I love the beach. I also enjoy writing and would love to write a book one day. I value growth and am passionate about reading inspirational books. I enjoy spiritual development and serving in the church and the community.