Sharonda Giles

Hi, I’m Sharonda.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s most difficult and complex moments. I work with teens, young adults, and adults who may be navigating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, stress or anger management, substance use concerns, and trauma.

Throughout my career, I’ve also worked closely with individuals impacted by the criminal justice system and those who have experienced community or gun violence. Because of this, I bring a trauma-informed, nonjudgmental approach that focuses on safety, understanding, and real-life coping strategies.

I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, community violence, high stress environments, or involvement with the criminal justice system.

I have extensive experience working with BIPOC clients, young people, and adult men who may not always feel comfortable opening up in traditional therapy spaces. My goal is to create an environment where you feel respected, heard, and supported as we work together to build tools for healing, resilience, and meaningful change.

Therapy with me is collaborative and practical. Together, we’ll focus on helping you better understand your experiences, manage stress and emotions more effectively, and move toward the life you want to create.

I believe in the importance of cultural competence and sensitivity when working with clients from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. Creating a space where clients feel respected, understood, and safe to share their stories is central to my work.

My therapeutic approach often incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which explores the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Together, we identify patterns that may be contributing to distress and work toward developing healthier ways of thinking and responding to life’s challenges.

I also take a strength-based approach to therapy, focusing on empowerment, empathy, and collaboration. I believe that you are the expert of your own story and that you already possess many strengths that can support your healing and growth. My role is to help you recognize and build upon those strengths as we work together toward meaningful and lasting change.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, and it takes courage to take that first step. In our first session, my main goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, heard, and respected. We’ll spend time getting to know each other and talking about what brought you to therapy, what challenges you may be experiencing, and what you hope to gain from the process. You don’t have to share everything all at once. This is simply the beginning of our work together.

I approach therapy with empathy, openness, and humor, while also gently challenging you to reflect and grow. Together, we will begin identifying your goals and exploring the strengths you already have that can support positive change.

My goal is for you to leave the first session feeling supported, understood, and hopeful about the path forward.