Sharifa Ahrendsen

Hi, I'm Sharifa and I've been a therapist for 10 years. I help sensitive people cope with political stress, family problems and life changes. I am passionate about accessible mental health for BIPOC, Queer and Trans, neurodivergent individuals, especially those from the African diaspora.

I use IFS for trauma informed healing from systemic racism, family problems, and political stress like war, racism, poverty, housing crisis', immigration policy, etc. I offer I have immediate availability for new telehealth clients using a secure online platform.

Anxiety and depression aren't just personal hurdles, they are often the cost of surviving systems not built for humans to thrive. We will work side-by-side to unburden the "shoulds" and empower your "wants & needs".

I use a combination of modalities to best fit clients unique experiences. Clients respond most to psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, IFS, ACT, and integrative therapy tools and interventions.

I provide counseling (for short term solution focus problem solving like relationship conflict, work stress, grief, political stress, life transitions (moving), etc. and therapy (for long term persistent mental health needs like generalized anxiety disorder, depression, mood disorders, OCD, and more)

New clients always start with an intake and assessment to get to know your symptoms in your words and put your goals in context. Then we focus on a symptom that has been very problematic to you recently (sleep, communication, brain fog, etc) to find relief. This usually happens by session 6, and builds confidence and connection in a therapeutic space allowing us to go deeper to the root of your problem session 6 and beyond.

Your personal goals are important and it is my responsibility and passion to empower you to be the leader in your life, to be your best caretaker for yourself, to present the version of yourself you’re most proud of and release burdens that weigh you down with fear and regret.

From our first session it’s my goal to help my clients feel heard and seen. I use active listening, reflecting back what’s said, and invitations to go deeper to build rapport. Starting with an intake and assessment, I get to know your symptoms in your own words and put your goals in context. The first 3 sessions after your intake we focus on a symptom that has been very problematic to you recently (sleep, communication, brain fog, etc) to find relief. This usually happens by session 6, and builds confidence and connection in a therapeutic space allowing us to go deeper to the root of your problem session 6 and beyond.