Wendy Sharpless
I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) since 2018. My experience in the behavioral health field began in 2010 with work in various settings: Group housing, therapeutic support within a preschool setting, Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), and outpatient counseling.
Clients are able to use any form of creative expression to convey their concerns (i.e. art, poetry, literature, music).
I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling from Seton Hall University. I am also trained in trauma-informed care. I seek to create a safe, calming environment for all of my clients.
First session
First session is considered a psychobiological intake. I will take current and historical information about the client to get a full picture of the case. Then I explain to clients what to expect in a session with me. I then answer any questions they may have.
Strengths
Stress/Anxiety Mood Grief/Loss Relationship issues Self-Esteem Trauma (Certified) Transitions/Life changes Emotion Regulation Difficulties Cognitive and Learning Difficulties Women’s issues Developmental Stages Concussion Recovery Pain
Ideal clients
Ages 16 to 70. My experience is best in the 16- 50 age group.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a collaborative, evidence-based approach centered on the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are deeply interconnected. By identifying and shifting unhelpful thinking patterns, we can create meaningful changes in how you feel and react to life’s challenges. I have been practicing CBT since 2013, and I believe the best progress happens when therapy feels both intentional and practical. In our sessions, I utilize a semi-structured approach, often incorporating worksheets and guided tools to serve as a roadmap for our work. This ensures that our time remains focused on your specific goals while providing you with tangible strategies you can apply long after our session ends.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
In my practice, I integrate elements of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), a highly effective framework designed to help individuals manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and develop mindfulness. Since 2022, I have utilized DBT through a solution-focused lens, prioritizing the practical application of its "four pillars": mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. While I am not a DBT-certified clinician, I draw upon its rich toolkit to provide you with concrete, actionable skills that help bridge the gap between feeling overwhelmed and regaining a sense of control. My goal is to help you move beyond insight and into tangible change, using these evidence-based strategies to navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and balance.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Since 2014, I have specialized in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), a compassionate, evidence-based approach designed to help you move from a state of survival back to a state of strength. My practice focuses on building a foundation of safety and coping skills before we begin the work of addressing and healing from traumatic events. What sets my practice apart is the integration of Prolonged Exposure into the trauma narrative process. Rather than simply retelling what happened, we work together to gradually and safely face the most difficult memories in a controlled environment. This specialized technique is designed to "de-power" traumatic triggers and reduce the physiological distress they cause, helping your brain’s internal alarm system return to a state of calm. With over a decade of experience, my goal is to help you process the past effectively so that it no longer dictates your future.
EMDR
As an EMDR practitioner trained through Mind Works, I provide a structured, evidence-based approach to trauma recovery that leverages the brain’s natural ability to heal. My practice follows the standard eight-phase protocol, with a deep focus on the preparation phase to ensure clients feel grounded and secure. During the processing phase, I utilize a computer-led ball simulation to provide consistent bilateral stimulation, helping to desensitize the emotional weight of past experiences and integrate more empowering beliefs. My goal is to facilitate a process where painful memories no longer drive present-day distress, allowing for lasting emotional freedom and resilience.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- New JerseyLicense 37PC01096700
- PennsylvaniaLicense PC010415