Sharon McKay, LMHC - Therapist at Grow Therapy

Sharon McKay

Sharon McKay

(she/her)

LMHC
16 years of experience
Virtual

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida with 16 years of dedicated experience helping clients navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in working with children, teenagers, and adults, offering support for issues such as substance and alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety, ADHD, LGBTQ+ concerns, trauma, and relationship difficulties. Known for my compassionate and empathetic approach, I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, validated, and empowered.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

During our first session, I take the time to get to know you and understand what brought you to counseling. We’ll explore your current concerns, discuss your goals for therapy, and identify any challenges or strengths you’d like to focus on. This session is a collaborative, open dialogue designed to establish a foundation of trust and create a clear direction for our work together.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My greatest strength lies in my ability to connect with clients through compassion, empathy, and adaptability. With 16 years of experience, I have developed a deep understanding of the complexities of mental health and how to tailor my approach to meet each client’s unique needs. What makes me unique is my ability to combine creativity and flexibility with evidence-based practices, empowering clients to embrace their strengths and overcome life’s challenges. Additionally, my own journey has deepened my empathy and understanding, allowing me to provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their challenges. My extensive work with diverse populations has honed my skills in addressing trauma, substance abuse, LGBTQ+ concerns, and relationship issues, allowing me to provide personalized and impactful care.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

If you’ve experienced trauma, struggle to see your own worth, or feel held back by anxiety, depression, or difficult relationships, I want you to know you’re not alone. You may be carrying the weight of your past, unsure how to move forward, but deep down, you’re ready to make a change. My clients are people like you—strong, resilient individuals who just need guidance to uncover their strengths and rediscover their sense of self. Together, we’ll create a path to healing, self-acceptance, and building the life you deserve.

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Person-centered (Rogerian)

I use Person-Centered Therapy by creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients feel valued and understood. Through empathy, active listening, and unconditional positive regard, I empower clients to explore their emotions, identify their strengths, and set their own goals. This approach fosters trust and self-awareness, enabling clients to navigate their challenges and work toward personal growth and well-being.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by helping clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that impact their mental health. Through collaborative discussions and structured interventions, I guide clients in developing healthier ways of thinking, managing emotions, and approaching challenges. This approach focuses on building practical skills and strategies that empower clients to address current difficulties and promote long-term well-being.

Eclectic

I use an eclectic approach by drawing from various therapeutic modalities to tailor my counseling to each client’s unique needs and goals. By integrating techniques from approaches like CBT, Person-Centered Therapy, and others, I adapt interventions to what resonates most with the client and their situation. This flexibility allows me to address a wide range of challenges effectively, fostering growth and well-being through a personalized and collaborative approach.

Trauma-Focused CBT

I use Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to support clients in processing and healing from traumatic experiences. This approach combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with trauma-sensitive interventions to help clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns, manage distressing emotions, and build coping skills. By providing a safe and supportive environment, I guide clients through their trauma narratives at their own pace, helping them regain a sense of control and work toward emotional healing and resilience.

Strength-Based

I use a Strengths-Based approach to help clients identify their unique strengths and inner resources. By focusing on what’s working and building on their capabilities, I guide clients to overcome trauma, anxiety, and depression while learning to embrace self-acceptance and personal growth.