Sharon Vargas
My approach is based on who you are and what is relevant for you in order to be your best self. I collaboratively work with clients in re-connecting with their innate strength and resilience in their journey to face change and heal unresolved issues. I use a variety of modalities that support a client's ability to reconnect with their inner-self and identify ways in which they want to make positive changes. I treat a number of issues including unresolved complex trauma, addiction, co-occurring disorders, life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief & loss, relationship difficulties, low self esteem, Adult Children of Alcoholics, impact & insight into historical trauma, and sexual abuse.
I have extensive experience working with indigenous and immigrant populations from around the world.
I am warm, empathetic and supportive but not afraid to challenge clients when necessary. I utilize evidence based and creative approaches such as CBT, Strength-Based approach, Trauma Informed CBT, Family Systems, DBT, Jungian art based skills and concepts, Assertive communication skills, and Mindfulness Based. I currently hold active LCSW licenses in both California and New Mexico.
First session
In our first session after intake I encourage clients to continue teaching me about what you need, your strengths, how you have coped so far. I hope to continue learning about your history, life and family of origin patterns to gain understanding. I will provide information about how I will support and work with my clients, answer questions & confirm recurring appointment schedule.
Strengths
The ability to identify and utilize clients natural resiliency and strengths to make life changes, supportive and non judgmental, challenge unhealthy patterns of belief and behaviors, I work creatively and intuitively with each person for their individual needs and life challenges. I have extensive experience working with indigenous and immigrant populations from around the world.
Ideal clients
Trauma, anxiety, depression, LGBTQX, life crises, grief and loss, addiction and co-occurring disorders, relationship problems and changes, low self esteem, women's issues, acculturation and cultural stressors related to immigration or historical trauma, PTSD, stress management
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
this approach helps the client explore their patterns of thinking and the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviors which impact one's perceptions of themselves and the world. This involves relaxation, building self awareness of thought & feeling patterns, experiments to challenge patterns & learning new concepts and skills practiced between sessions
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
This approach is grounded in mindfulness-based behavior therapy, helping the client develop greater psychological flexibility, explore their alignment with their core values & how to accept and cope with issues outside of their control. I work with clients to help them develop a more compassionate relationship with themselves while encouraging them to take committed action steps towards their best self. This method helps to explore how life experiences do not have to define you as broken or stuck and find your way through.
Trauma-Focused CBT
In this evidenced-based approach I work with clients to understand trauma, how it has impacted them and common symptoms as cause and effect. I teach about how trauma impacts our brains & bodies, teach techniques to help stabilize, then explore the trauma narrative and ultimately integration into the healed balanced self.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Hispanic / Latinx
Jewish
Person of Color (POC)
Woman
Top specialties
Addiction
Anxiety
Grief
Other specialties
Coping Skills
Depression
LGBTQ
Life Transitions
School Issues
Self Esteem
Sexual Abuse
Women's Issues
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Licensed in
CaliforniaLicense 97975
New MexicoLicense C-11048