Hi there- I'm Rachel I am a therapist in Illinois with eleven years experience working in various community mental health centers in the Chicagoland area. I graduated from Northwestern University in 2014 with my degree in Counseling Psychology with specialization in Child and Adolescent populations. I specialize in treatment of trauma (trained in EMDR), depression, anxiety and relationship problems, anger issues. I have worked with couples, individuals and families. Some treatment approaches I lean on include internal family systems, EMDR, attachment-focused and psychodynamic. I am culturally sensitive, LGBTQ+ affirming :)
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
First session or two will be information gathering and assessment as well as rapport/relationship building. I want to leave those two sessions with a deep understanding of what you would like to accomplish in therapy and what past life experiences and relationships have molded you into the person you are today. I will also work to identify strengths and potential obstacles to progress.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Clients have described me as warm, comfortable to talk to, inquisitive. I ask the best questions! Clients who have worked with me previously have stayed in my care for years. If you are new to therapy and are looking for a therapist to guide you and fill the space, I am the person for you!
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I am best positioned to serve clients who would like to better regulate their emotions and be in control of/reduce unhelpful inner dialogue. I have extensive experience working with chronic traumatization and am able to help clients eliminate the impact negative past experiences have on their day-to-day life and perceptions. I have worked with emerging adulthood issues and life transitions extensively as well. I have worked also with working professionals who are navigating workplace burnout and navigating setting a health work/life balance in a late capitalism.
About Rachel Sharp
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Attachment-based
I explore client's early relationships with primary caregivers and help develop insight into how these early childhood experiences impact adult capacity for intimate connection.
EMDR
I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, or commonly abbreviated 'EMDR,' to assist clients with reprocessing traumatic experiences and installing healthier narratives in response to the traumatic event. This treatment approach is especially helpful for clients who have experienced trauma.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I utilize Internal Family Systems, or widely known as 'IFS,' to help clients deepen their understanding of how various life past experiences form 'parts' of self and these parts contribute to unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
I utilize Emotion Focused Therapy to help clients deepen their connection to their emotional responses, viewing our feelings as a crucial compass that helps us navigate our needs in relationships.