- Sleep and rest focus
- 16 years experience
- Client-centered approach
About Sharmen
Sharmen Rutherford is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 16 years of clinical experience. She draws on practical, people-centered methods to help when life feels overwhelming or out of balance. Sharmen focuses on everyday problems like anxiety, stress, grief, relationship strain, and difficulties with sleep and eating.
She uses straightforward strategies in sessions so people can learn tools to cope. That can mean working on thoughts and behaviors, building skills to manage intense emotions, or clarifying values and next steps. Sessions are presented in simple terms so parents and busy adults can follow along easily.
Sharmen's background includes long experience supporting people with addictions, trauma and abuse, mood concerns such as depression and bipolar, and problems that overlap those issues like codependency and family of origin struggles. She also helps with burnout, first responder challenges, and recovery after separation or divorce.
The approaches Sharmen uses include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness Therapy. These methods are chosen to match what a person needs in the moment and what fits their goals.
She practices in Alabama and works in English. To begin, people select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How her methods translate to online therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings and then choose actions that match their values. It is often used when someone wants clearer priorities, improved routines, or better sleep habits. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on the link between thoughts, behaviors, and mood and offers step-by-step exercises to change unhelpful patterns and reduce anxiety or low mood. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches practical skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and relationship effectiveness, which can help when emotions feel overwhelming.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with each person to decide which methods fit their needs, goals, and daily life. That might mean trying a few techniques and adjusting over time to find what helps most.
Confirm the available session formats before booking, as the profile does not specify exact online options. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow brief check-ins during work breaks or between responsibilities. Some approaches translate well to short skill-based sessions while others suit longer conversations, and the therapist will help tailor session length and focus to practical needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
16+ years
Credentials
Alabama, Tennessee
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma, eating and sleep difficulties, anger, self-esteem, and related issues such as codependency and body image.
What is her approach in therapy sessions?
Sessions emphasize practical tools and collaboration. Methods include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, CBT, DBT, client-centered work, and mindfulness practices to build skills and clarify goals.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 16 years of experience working with people facing addiction, trauma, mood disorders, grief, and related concerns.
Where is she licensed and based?
She holds LPC credentials and practices in Alabama. The profile lists TN LPC-MHSP and AL LPC as credential details.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work together with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How much do sessions cost and what is the payment model?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with this therapist?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session based on the therapist's availability.