Hello, I'm Dr. Sharen Waters, LCSW. I'm a Mental Health & EMDR Therapist, having achieved a PhD at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Social Work at Andrews University in Michigan. I’ve served clients in South Central Indiana for 20+ years, providing mental health and hospice care. The joy of my work as a therapist is to walk gently beside my clients toward wellness and growth: (1) to inspire hope that change is possible, (2) to guide clients to the truth that we are worth the effort to rise, and (3) to share education - or light - to enable change to happen. My effectiveness is widely respected, as is my warmth and compassion.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
My gift as a therapist is a delicate exploration of what hurts, and using effective treatment modalities, I share education and hope. Hope that we can be more than our pasts. That we can be better tomorrow. Regardless of who told us or showed us otherwise. Regardless of who loves us or doesn't. Despite whoever walked away. Or didn't believe in us. Then my work is to gently restructure my client's ways of thinking. Of perceiving. Of feeling. Of communicating. Of being. And of understanding the world. So that you journey on better aligned with rhythms of life that serve you best. In our work together, you'll experience transformation. Growth. The ability to rise. And overcome. You'll discover a more compassionate and realistic sense of who you are - that you are enough - just as you are. And like every human: you have margin to grow in areas that will enhance your life. Do you reach out if you want to: understand yourself better heal from past hurts understand the benefits of forgiveness and embrace them guide your inner child toward healing or growth breathe, and gain a more balanced, peaceful perspective challenge negative thought patterns grow stronger mentally, physically, socially or spiritually become more compassionate toward yourself or others communicate your needs more effectively move forward when you feel stuck: in relationships, with goals or in life discover purpose in your life visualize more than your eyes can see desire a glimpse of God
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Having overcome difficult life experiences, I understand pain. Loss. Tragedy. Disappointment. Heartbreak. Rejection. And ways they unsettle us. And diminish our perceptions about ourselves. I see beneath the surface of pain and guide clients toward healing. Transforming. Rising. And overcoming. I connect very well with clients of all ages, ethnicities, social classes and demographic areas (e.g., rural and urban). I have a warm, cheerful and hopeful demeanor, and I practice with wisdom and patience as clients move toward wholeness.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I connect very well with clients of all ages, ethnicities, social classes and demographic areas (e.g., rural and urban). I have a warm, cheerful, hopeful demeanor, with wisdom and patience as we work toward wholeness. What matters most in your need. Do reach out if you want to: understand yourself better heal from past hurts understand the benefits of forgiveness and embrace them guide your child toward healing or growth breathe, and gain a more balanced, peaceful perspective challenge negative thought patterns grow stronger mentally, physically, socially or spiritually become more compassionate toward yourself or others communicate your needs more effectively move forward when you feel stuck: in relationships, with career goals or in general life patterns discover purpose in your life visualize more than your eyes can see desire a glimpse of God
About Dr. Sharen M. Waters
Dr. Sharen M. Waters offers therapy covered by UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Indiana.
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Fully bookedMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is a proven, effective therapeutic approach. It is instrumental in my work with clients, helping them to in embrace healthier ways of thinking, of perceiving, of coping, of responding to challenges, and healthier ways of living, and being.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
ACT helps my clients to approach life's circumstances in a framework of balance and peace. It helps us to gradually accept challenges in ways that honor us (e.g., with self-acceptance and self-care) as we realize and embrace our resilience, and faith.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
DBT acknowledges that life can be complex and our mental health may be challenged at times, and in the interplay of experiences and emotions, we may feel stuck sometimes. I use strategies of DBT (e.g., mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and assertiveness training) alongside CBT and my clients' lives are transformed.
Christian Counseling
Faith can be challenging when our life’s experiences don't align with the belief that a loving God cares. We may wonder if He exists at all. We may ask ourselves if any of it matters. And what is truly important in life. As my clients process their experiences, current circumstances, and beliefs, I walk beside them with empathy, Biblical knowledge, and with wisdom from the pain of my own spiritual journey. Having touched the spiritual journeys of hundreds of clients, similar themes emerge: (1) Life is hard, (2) Sometimes life hurts, and (3) Sometimes, it's hard to trust God. Until we see Him clearly. In our work together, we'll explore your journey, your disappointments, your fears and the purpose of it all. And offer – if you wish - to glimpse God together.
EMDR
As an EMDR Therapist, my clients experience relief from distress caused by traumatic experiences and memories. My trauma-informed process of care begins with techniques to help clients access their trauma, anchored in the safety of the present. With careful application of bilateral stimulation, my clients experience transformative relief.