Sharon Salas profile image

Sharon Salas

Sharon Salas

(she/her)

LCSW
16 years of experience
Virtual

Hi there, I'm Sharon, and I'm passionate about helping individuals rediscover their inner child and embark on a journey of healing the wounds from their past. As a compassionate and creative soul, I offer a unique approach to processing and addressing emotions. Through my work, I aim to provide a safe and nurturing space for you to explore your feelings, particularly those affected by addiction and co-dependency. I firmly believe that art, not in the traditional sense but as a personal expression of one's emotions, holds the key to authenticity and self-discovery. My focus is on the process rather than performance, making it a soulful and liberating experience I call "soul art." As part of my commitment to excellence, I am currently pursuing my certification in Creative Journaling Expressive Arts with the CJEAItm. This additional training allows me to integrate journaling and expressive art techniques into our sessions, offering you a dynamic and creative approach to healing and personal growth. If you're ready to embark on a transformative journey, exploring your emotions through the creative lens, I'm here to support and guide you every step of the way. Let's work together to nurture your inner child and empower you to lead a more fulfilling life.

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

When you choose to work with me, you can expect a personalized and supportive therapeutic experience that centers around your needs and goals. Here's what you can expect from our journey together: A Thoughtful First Session: Our initial meeting will be dedicated to understanding your presenting issues and concerns. I will actively listen to your story without judgment, creating a safe and empathetic environment for you to share your thoughts and emotions. Open and Honest Dialogue: I value transparency and open communication. During our sessions, we will engage in candid conversations, where you can express yourself freely. Your feelings and opinions will be respected, and I encourage you to share anything that you believe is relevant to your healing process. Mutual Compatibility: I recognize that the therapeutic relationship is essential for positive outcomes. In our first session, we will both assess whether we are a good fit for each other. Your comfort and trust are paramount, and I am committed to ensuring that you feel supported throughout our work together. Client-Centered Approach: Your unique experiences and needs will shape the direction of our therapeutic journey. I will collaborate with you to tailor interventions and strategies that align with your preferences and goals. Creative Exploration: As a practitioner of Creative Journaling Expressive Arts, I will introduce innovative and imaginative techniques to help you delve into your emotions and insights. This creative approach allows for deeper self-discovery and healing. Emphasis on Process and Growth: While we will address your presenting issues, the focus will extend beyond mere problem-solving. I believe in the transformative power of self-awareness and growth. Together, we will explore your inner world and work towards fostering long-lasting positive change. Support and Empowerment: You are not alone on this journey. I am here to provide continuous support and encouragement as you navigate through challenges and triumphs. My goal is to empower you with the tools and insights needed to overcome obstacles and make meaningful progress. Confidentiality and Privacy: Trust is fundamental in therapy. You can rest assured all our sessions and discussions will be treated with utmost confidentiality, adhering to professional ethical standards. Non-Judgmental Atmosphere: You can share your thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism or judgment. I maintain a non-judgmental and accepting stance, allowing you to be authentic and vulnerable. Holistic Approach to Healing: I believe in addressing the whole person - mind, body, and soul. Our work together will encompass a holistic approach to promote overall well-being and emotional balance.

What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?

In my private practice, I draw upon a diverse range of treatment methods and tools to provide comprehensive and effective therapeutic support. Here are the main approaches and techniques I utilize: 1. Motivational Interviewing: I employ Motivational Interviewing techniques to help you explore and strengthen your intrinsic motivation for positive change. By fostering a collaborative and empathetic environment, we work together to identify your goals and aspirations, enhancing your readiness to make meaningful transformations. 2. Strength-Based Therapy: I adopt a strength-based perspective, focusing on your inherent strengths, resilience, and resources. By highlighting and harnessing these positive attributes, we can build upon your existing capabilities to overcome challenges and achieve personal growth. 3. Solution-Focused Therapy: This approach concentrates on identifying practical solutions and developing actionable strategies to address specific concerns. We will focus on your desired outcomes, and through guided conversations, you'll gain insights into the steps needed to achieve your goals effectively. 4. Creative Journaling: Creative Journaling is a powerful therapeutic tool that allows you to express your thoughts, emotions, and experiences through various creative mediums. Through writing, drawing, or other artistic methods, we tap into your subconscious, enabling deeper self-awareness and emotional exploration. 5. Cognitive-Behavioral Techniques: Utilizing cognitive-behavioral techniques, we examine the connections between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, we can work together to cultivate healthier beliefs and coping mechanisms. 6. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: I introduce mindfulness and relaxation practices to help you become more present in the moment, reduce stress, and enhance self-awareness. These techniques can promote emotional regulation and well-being. 7. Psychoeducation: As an integral part of our sessions, I provide psychoeducation on relevant topics related to your concerns. This knowledge equips you with valuable insights and coping strategies to navigate challenges outside of therapy. 8. Narrative Therapy: Through narrative therapy, we explore the stories you tell yourself about your life experiences. By reframing and reconstructing these narratives, you can gain a more empowering perspective and create new, positive meanings in your life. 9. Holistic Approach: Emphasizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit, I take a holistic approach to your well-being. This means considering various aspects of your life, such as lifestyle, relationships, and self-care, to foster overall balance and healing. 10. Goal Setting and Progress Monitoring: Together, we establish clear and achievable goals, and I regularly monitor your progress throughout the therapeutic process. This ensures that we stay on track and adapt our approach as needed to best support your growth. In combining these treatment methods and tools, I aim to provide you with a dynamic and personalized therapeutic experience that fosters healing, self-discovery, and lasting positive change. One of my goals is to empower you to navigate life's challenges with resilience and embrace your full potential.

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

As your therapist, my goal is to create a supportive and empowering environment for your personal growth and well-being. Here are the key areas in which I have extensive experience: 1. Substance Abuse Treatment with Adolescents and Adults: Throughout my career, I have worked extensively with both adolescents and adults dealing with substance abuse challenges. My experience includes supporting individuals in overcoming addiction, addressing co-occurring disorders, and guiding clients through the process of recovery. I utilize evidence-based techniques and a compassionate approach to help you navigate the complexities of substance abuse and build a life of sobriety and fulfillment. 2. Inner Child Work: I am passionate about helping clients explore and heal the wounds of their past through inner child work. This therapeutic approach delves into the experiences and emotions of your childhood, fostering understanding and compassion for the younger version of yourself. By addressing unresolved childhood issues, we can work together to promote healing, self-acceptance, and personal transformation. 3. Extensive Experience in the Health Care Setting: With 16 years of experience in the healthcare setting, I have developed a deep understanding of the complexities and challenges individuals face in various healthcare contexts. This background provides me with valuable insights into the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of healing and recovery. Whether you are dealing with health-related stressors or navigating medical concerns, I can offer guidance and support tailored to your unique needs. Throughout our sessions, my commitment is to provide you with a warm and non-judgmental space where you can freely express yourself and work towards positive change. I draw upon a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, incorporating techniques such as Motivational Interviewing, Strength-Based, and Solution-Focused therapies to address your specific concerns effectively. Together, we will collaboratively explore your goals and aspirations, and I will be there to support you every step of the way. I aim to empower you with the tools and insights needed to navigate life's challenges, achieve personal growth, and discover the strength and resilience within yourself.

About Sharon Salas

Licensed in

Appointments

Virtual