Sharifa Ahrendsen

I’m a first generation Jamaican American with a global lens having visited 17 countries and lived in 4. I’m Black, a mother, queer and neurodivergent. I’m passionate about BIPOC and Diaspora healing and unburdening any client from a lifetime of discrimination, emotionally immature authority figures, inter-generation trauma, loneliness, burn out and more.

I earned my Bachelor degree from University of Maryland, College Park and a Masters in Social Work from UNC- Chapel Hill. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in North Carolina and have experience counselling college students, adults and couples since 2015.

My career so far has been coloured with unique settings and experiences like an emergency room, non-profit, college counselling center and private practice. I value continued education and am always striving to provide proven solutions to mental health symptoms.

My approach to counselling is connection, reflection and empowerment. I never know what to expect intentionally so my clients always feel accepted and not judged in our sessions. Treating clients as the expert of their lived experience empowers them show up in session and in life authentically.

When clients are themselves it becomes easier to manage anxiety symptoms, explore their identity, regulate emotions, regularly practice self care, manage career stress, or depression, ease sleep disturbances, address health issues, survive life adjustments, learn new coping skills, grieve, pursue or heal relationships including family dynamics.

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. When my clients start to open up on a deeper level I use a psychodynamic approach combining CBT IFS Narrative Therapy and more.

When my client is ready to make lasting change in their lives, we work together to affirm and accept their reality, identify areas of growth, celebrate progress and validate their experience and feelings every session.