Hi! I'm Sharonda, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). Growing up in Chicago, I regularly witnessed individuals with mental health difficulties, addiction issues, individuals impacted by trauma, and those who were victims of violence. Many of them did not have guidance on how to heal or could not access helpful resources/supports. Because of that, I set my goal to be a valuable resource and advocate for anyone who may need guidance or support through their struggles. I have approximately 9 years of experience working in various mental health settings including; a substance abuse rehabilitation center; outpatient therapy facilities; within the juvenile detention center; with DCFS involved youth; Juvenile Trauma programs; and with Community Violence Intervention programs.
I do my best to create an atmosphere of calmness, genuineness, and humor. I'll give an overview of who I am and let you do the same. I always leave space so that we can both ask questions so that we both have a complete understanding of who we are and what to expect. I do my best to understand the needs of my clients and develop a plan together that utilizes the strengths of the individual.
I am a dedicated therapist who pushes for success for my clients. My expertise is in providing culturally competent, compassionate, nonjudgmental, and honest therapy to teens and adults dealing with their mental health issues. I believe in using humor to build rapport and help clients feel comfortable being in therapy, especially when it won't always be easy. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, so I'll always give you affirmations for showing up. Therapy will sometimes be challenging and frustrating, but also very rewarding and life changing. I do want you to know that throughout the therapeutic process, I am here to support you along this journey. With some hard work and dedication, you will be on a path to growth!
I typically work with individuals from all walks of life. Most often, I tend to work with people who may be dealing with substance use, anger/stress management, anxiety, depression, grief & loss, individuals involved in the criminal justice system, individuals struggling with life changes, those who have been victims of gun violence and other traumas, or just someone who doesn't know what they need yet but knows they need to start somewhere.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy because it allows us both to see how a person's mindset and thoughts contribute to our behaviors and actions. I want to allow my clients to know that there is more than one way to solve and issue, so being open minded to new thoughts helps to make that process happen.
I use Motivational Interviewing because it allows a client to understand (or figure out) what their motivations are. If entering therapy, you obviously have a motivation to change, so lets figure out a way together that we can get you to your goal of change!
Each client is completely unique. I want to understand who you are as a person, so we can best figure out what your needs are and how to address them. I believe in being strength based because each person has a talent or skill that will help them reach their goals. I will bring my own talents and skills to the sessions so that it's a collaborative effort in making progress. Making changes takes courage because it is scary and challenging, but with a great therapist, it can be rewarding and transformative. Throughout therapy, I am here to support you along this journey by doing my best to offer you humor, empathy, open mindedness, and challenging you to make positive changes. With some hard work and dedication, you will be on a path of growth that will truly make you happy. I always offer encouragement on being an advocate for your own mental health and wellbeing.