I am an Illinois and Wisconsin Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) who has extensive experience working with individuals, groups, couples, and families. I earned my Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Benedictine University, where the prominent perspective was person-centered therapy. I have worked with several different client populations including couples with marriage difficulties, adults struggling with depression, anxiety, and other life adjustment issues, physically and sexually abused adolescents and adults, adolescents with mental health issues related to school, home, adjustment, or mental illness, and even adolescents and adults on the verge of suicide. In working with these populations, I have gained vast experience in family dynamics and feel it is important to focus on the whole system, especially when a child is involved. I have also been trained in DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and I feel many adults and adolescents could greatly benefit from learning these skills. God is our ultimate counselor and His word is referenced and prayed from as part of the healing process.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Our first session together will be a get-to-know-you session. I will listen as you describe the challenges you are facing and then we'll talk about the goals you have for therapy so I will be more able to help you in future sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Being a therapist for more than 20 years has allowed me the opportunity to help people discover healthy solutions for a large variety of challenges. I am strong in my Christian faith and feel that God shows up consistently in my sessions to guide these solutions.
About Shari Ramsey
Specializes in
Accepts
Address
7124 Windsor Lake Parkway, Loves Park, IL 61111, Ste. 14AAppointments
Virtual & in-personMy treatment methods
Christian Counseling
As a Christian counselor, when we ask God to direct a counseling session, then it is His agenda that we seek to discern and follow, and it is His healing that we encounter. Together we will listen to and cooperate with our Creator, who knows us better than we know ourselves. I will take time to listen and understand your views and values, give perspective, identify alternatives. New skills will be taught and modeled. I will expect commitment and monitor results. However, responsibility for making changes is left in your hands. Your competence and control will not be undermined but enhanced.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I’ve been using CBT in my practice since 2000 to help dozens of clients challenge reoccurring thoughts and manage their emotions. We’ll use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a more emotionally regulated life and make healthier behavioral choices.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
My professional training is in person-centered therapy. This means that when you come to therapy, you set the agenda for the session. I meet you where you are, not the other way around. You will experience emotional validation during sessions that will lead to self-discovery of solutions and psychological growth.
EMDR
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that helps people heal from the symptoms and emotional distress of trauma. I have been certified in this type of therapy and have been using it in practice with great success since 2005.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical behavior therapy is a structured program with a strong educational component where you will learn skills for managing intense emotions and negotiating social relationships. The goals of DBT therapy include transforming negative thinking patterns and destructive behaviors into positive outcomes. I have been trained and have been using DBT in my practice since 2001.