I am Sharlisa Byrd, LMFT (CA & OR), SEP, TITC-CT, CCHt, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist serving clients in California and Oregon. I am also a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, Clinical Hypnotherapist, and Certified Clinical Traumatologist. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Palo Alto University and am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and the Flash Technique. My work focuses on helping individuals heal from trauma, anxiety, and chronic stress, with a deep understanding of how these experiences become held within the body and nervous system. I use a trauma-informed and culturally responsive approach that integrates somatic and mind-body techniques to support emotional regulation, resilience, and lasting healing. I have experience supporting individuals navigating concerns including trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, parenting challenges, attachment issues, complex relationship dynamics, life transitions for adolescents and young adults, domestic violence recovery, sexual abuse recovery, psychosis, and African American identity concerns. In addition to my clinical practice, I serve as an Adjunct Professor at the University of San Francisco, where I teach multiple graduate-level counseling courses. I have also trained in several trauma-resolution approaches that inform my work with clients, students, and colleagues. My clinical philosophy centers on a bottom-up approach to healing, recognizing that trauma often lives in the body and that healing involves restoring safety, awareness, and balance within the nervous system. I often describe my role as a manufacturer of hope and healing, supporting individuals as they move beyond survival and toward becoming post-traumatic thrivers. On a personal note, I am the mother of six daughters and a grandmother to three and a half granddaughters, experiences that have deepened my understanding of relationships, attachment, and what many refer to as Mother Hunger.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, you can expect a safe, welcoming, and compassionate space where you are invited to share your story at your own pace. There is no pressure to disclose everything at once. The goal of this first meeting is simply to begin getting to know you—your experiences, what has been weighing on you, and what has led you to seek support at this moment in your life. During this time, we will gently explore what is bringing you to therapy and what you hope might feel different in your life. We will talk about your current concerns, any important experiences that have shaped you, and the strengths and resources you already carry. This conversation also allows me to better understand how your mind and body respond to stress, trauma, or life challenges so we can choose approaches that support your healing. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the therapy process, learn about the approaches I use, and share any preferences or concerns you may have about treatment. Together, we will begin identifying your goals and discussing what healing and progress might look like for you. My focus in the first session is on building trust and creating a sense of safety, so that you feel seen, heard, and respected. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we will work together to begin creating a path forward that honors your experiences, supports your nervous system, and moves at a pace that feels comfortable and empowering for you.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
Healing is possible, and I would be honored to support you on your journey. My work focuses on helping individuals who are experiencing the effects of trauma, anxiety, OCD and depression, especially when these experiences begin to feel “stuck” in the body. Many people notice that even when they understand something logically, their body continues to react with tension, fear, overwhelm, or shutdown. This happens because trauma and chronic stress are not only psychological experiences, they are also nervous system experiences. In therapy, we work together to gently reconnect you with your body so you can begin to understand how and why these responses developed. Together, we will build awareness of your body’s signals and explore ways to support greater regulation and safety within your nervous system. We will also look at how past experiences or current stressors may be shaping your emotional and physical responses today, while developing tools that help you feel more grounded, resilient, and able to respond to life’s challenges with greater stability. My goal is to help you restore a sense of safety within yourself, deepen your connection to your body, and support healing in a way that feels compassionate, empowering, and sustainable.
EMDR
I am trained in EMDR and integrate it with somatic approaches to support clients in processing trauma holistically. By combining bilateral stimulation with body-based techniques, I help clients release stored trauma and build resilience. This integration fosters a deeper mind-body connection, promoting lasting healing and emotional regulation.
Somatic
I am a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP) and use SE to help clients release trauma stored in the body. By focusing on nervous system regulation and integrating body awareness, I guide clients toward restoring balance, building resilience, and achieving lasting healing.
Trauma-Focused CBT
I specialize in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), helping clients process and reframe traumatic experiences. By integrating cognitive strategies with emotional regulation and coping skills, I support clients in reducing trauma symptoms and building resilience for a healthier future.
5 ratings with written reviews
June 3, 2025
Sharlisa is the motherly figure I never had and I can learn from! She is helping me reparent myself, and reparent my child. Sharlisa has so much knowledge to draw from and she is able to use different tools and pivot within the sessions from healing my inner child to how I can parent more effectively. I have been to many therapist, she is the first one who I feel truly cares and knows what she is doing! The inner professor in her therapy style is a plus!
April 30, 2025
Sharlisa is a breath of fresh air! I have been to several therapist and they were not a good fit. Just when I was ready to give up, I decided to try once more. I am so happy I kept looking, she is a godsend.
April 25, 2025
Sharlisa has a gift to know how to treat people's deep trauma. She is heaven sent