Sharon Ford
Hello, I'm Sharon Ford, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of nursing experience, including 8 years specializing in mental health. I provide compassionate, evidence-based telehealth care for adolescents and adults, offering medication management, supportive therapy, and psychoeducation. I treat anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma-related disorders, OCD, insomnia, and other mental health concerns. My goal is to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where patients feel heard, understood, and empowered. Treatment is individualized and tailored to each person's unique needs. For those who desire it, I offer a faith-based approach that integrates biblical principles with evidence-based psychiatric care. As a co-founder of Mindful Matters, LLC, I am committed to helping patients achieve lasting emotional wellness and an improved quality of life. My practice does **not** prescribe benzodiazepines or stimulant medications . If you are seeking these medications, I may not be the best fit for your care. If you are looking for evaluation and treatment of other mental health conditions, including medication management with non-controlled medications, I would be happy to discuss your treatment options.
First session
During our first session, we will take time to discuss your concerns, symptoms, medical and mental health history, current stressors, and treatment goals. This initial appointment is an opportunity for you to share your experiences in a supportive and nonjudgmental environment where you can feel heard and understood. Together, we will review your symptoms, discuss any previous treatment experiences, and explore factors that may be affecting your emotional well-being. If appropriate, we will discuss medication options, therapeutic approaches, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals. My goal is to help you feel comfortable, informed, and actively involved in your care. By the end of the session, you can expect to have a clearer understanding of your treatment options and the next steps in your mental health journey.
Strengths
I provide compassionate, collaborative, and evidence-based psychiatric care with over 25 years of nursing experience and 8 years as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My approach is patient-centered, creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. I tailor treatment to each individual's needs by combining medication management with evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including CBT, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and supportive therapy. For clients who desire it, I also incorporate faith-based principles into treatment. My goal is to help clients build resilience, improve emotional well-being, and achieve lasting mental wellness.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are adults who are seeking support for anxiety, depression, stress, mood changes, trauma-related concerns, sleep difficulties, and life transitions. I work well with individuals who may feel overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about how to move forward and are looking for guidance, support, and practical tools to improve their mental health and overall well-being. I enjoy partnering with clients who are motivated to better understand themselves, develop healthy coping skills, and actively participate in their treatment. I also work with individuals who are exploring the role of faith in their healing journey and desire an approach that can integrate their spiritual beliefs with evidence-based mental health care when requested. Whether someone is beginning treatment for the first time or returning to care after previous experiences, I strive to create a compassionate, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to achieve their personal and mental health goals.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. During sessions, I work collaboratively with clients to recognize unhelpful thinking patterns, challenge negative beliefs, and develop healthier coping strategies. CBT techniques may include identifying cognitive distortions, improving problem-solving skills, practicing behavioral changes, and developing practical tools to manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, and other emotional concerns. My goal is to help clients build lasting skills that promote resilience, improved functioning, and overall well-being.
Christian Counseling
When desired by the client, I incorporate Christian principles and faith-based perspectives into treatment to support emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. I provide a respectful and nonjudgmental environment where clients can explore how their faith influences their experiences, values, and coping strategies. Christian counseling may include discussing spiritual concerns, incorporating prayer or scripture when requested, and integrating biblical principles with evidence-based mental health treatment. My approach honors each client's personal beliefs and preferences while providing compassionate, individualized care.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing to help clients explore their goals, strengthen motivation for change, and address ambivalence about treatment or behavioral changes. Through a collaborative and supportive approach, I encourage clients to identify their own values, strengths, and reasons for change. This method is especially helpful when addressing concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress management, medication adherence, lifestyle changes, and substance use. By fostering autonomy and self-efficacy, I help clients develop practical steps toward achieving their personal and mental health goals.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I incorporate mindfulness-based techniques to help clients develop greater awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment. Mindfulness practices can help reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and increase coping skills for anxiety, depression, and everyday challenges. During treatment, I may introduce techniques such as deep breathing, grounding exercises, present-moment awareness, and mindfulness strategies that clients can practice between sessions. These skills can promote greater resilience, enhance overall well-being, and support long-term mental health goals.
Faith-based therapy
I offer faith-based therapy for clients who wish to incorporate their spiritual beliefs into the counseling process. This approach integrates evidence-based mental health treatment with the client’s faith, values, and spiritual beliefs to support emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being. When aligned with the client’s preferences, sessions may include discussion of spiritual concerns, biblical principles, prayer, or other faith-centered practices. My goal is to provide compassionate, individualized care that respects each client’s beliefs while helping them develop coping skills, strengthen resilience, and work toward their mental health goals.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
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Licensed in
- AlabamaLicense 1-115518
- ArizonaLicense 318607
- ColoradoLicense C-APN.0104167-C-NP
- ConnecticutLicense 12.015871