Grow Therapy Home
Sharon Smith-Kemper profile image

Sharon Smith-Kemper

Sharon Smith-Kemper

(she/her)

LCSW
25 years of experience
Virtual

Hello there! I am licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and a licensed clinical alcohol and drug counselor (LCADC) based in New Jersey. I received my master of social work degree from Rutgers. I have been helping individuals navigate through stress, depression, grief, anxiety, and trauma to come out the other side stronger, healthier, and more resilient. If you're ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, I invite you to take the next step and schedule a session with me. Together, we can navigate the complexities of life, tap into your strengths, and unlock your full potential. Remember, seeking therapy is an investment in yourself and your future well-being. You deserve support, and I'm here to help you thrive. Don't hesitate to reach out. Your mental health matters, and I'm committed to supporting you every step of the way. Let's embark on this transformative journey together.

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

In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will help me create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions. I understand that reaching out for help can be a daunting step, and I commend you for taking that brave leap towards personal growth and healing. Whether you're grappling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or navigating life transitions, please know that you're not alone. I'm here to listen, support, and empower you on your journey towards greater well-being.

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

Drawing upon years of clinical experience and a deep understanding of psychological principles, I offer a personalized approach to therapy tailored to your unique needs and goals. Through a warm and nonjudgmental therapeutic alliance, we will work collaboratively to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, uncovering underlying patterns and obstacles that may be hindering your progress. Utilizing evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and solution-focused strategies, I aim to equip you with practical tools and insights to effectively manage challenges, build resilience, and cultivate a greater sense of self-awareness and empowerment. Whether you're seeking short-term support or long-term exploration, my goal is to facilitate meaningful change and help you lead a more fulfilling and authentic life.

About Sharon Smith-Kemper

Identifies as

Specializes in

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

I have found that helping clients over the past decade to focus on the present moment and acknowledge their experiences; including their thoughts, feelings, sensations, and actions have had substantial impacts on improving their quality of life. Being present also allows individuals to feel more in control; which builds confidence and self-efficacy. When individuals are present in the moment they enjoy their lives better and see more opportunity than adversity. I utilize a combination of mindfulness practices and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) strategies to help individuals clarify their values, set meaningful goals, and take committed action towards living a values-driven life. Mindfulness exercises in ACT aim to increase psychological flexibility and reduce experiential avoidance, allowing individuals to engage more fully in the present moment.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I believe in a collaborative approach to therapy, where clients and I work together as a team to identify and address their unique concerns. In sessions, I provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Using evidence-based techniques rooted in CBT, I help clients develop practical skills and strategies to challenge and reframe negative thinking patterns, manage distressing emotions, and implement positive behavioral changes.

Trauma Informed Care

Trauma-informed care is an approach to therapy that recognizes and responds to the pervasive impact of trauma on an individual’s life. It involves creating a safe, supportive, and empowering environment that acknowledges the prevalence of trauma and its potential effects on clients’ mental, emotional, and physical well-being. I strive to avoid re-traumatizing clients by being sensitive to potential triggers and avoiding invasive or confrontational techniques. Trauma-informed care emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals to make choices and decisions about their treatment.

Motivational Interviewing

I have found Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques respect an individual’s autonomy and self-determination. MI will empower you to make your own decisions regarding change, rather than imposing advice or directives by the therapist. This autonomy-supportive approach fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for the change process on the individual, leading to more sustainable outcomes. By fostering intrinsic motivation, enhancing self-efficacy, and promoting collaboration, motivational interviewing helps individuals overcome barriers to change and move towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Strength-Based

All my therapeutic interventions are grounded in a strength-based framework. Strength-based therapy offers a hopeful and empowering approach to therapy, focusing on an individual’s strengths, resilience, and potential for growth. By harnessing an individual’s innate resources and building on past successes, individual’s can overcome challenges, achieve their goals, and lead healthier lives.