- Client-centered methods
- Cognitive behavioral tools
- Mindfulness practice
About Shari
Shari Peterson is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Minnesota with 20 years of experience in mental health. She has worked in community mental health, schools, and outpatient settings and has spent three years focused on providing one-to-one therapy. Her stated areas of work include anxiety, depression, addictions, trauma and abuse, ADHD, relationship and family concerns, eating and sleeping problems, and other emotional challenges.
Shari uses straightforward, person-centered methods in sessions. She tends to listen first, ask clear questions, and help people notice patterns that keep problems going. She mixes practical strategies with reflective conversation so clients can try ideas between sessions and report back on what helped.
Her background includes long-term work with people who have experienced complex trauma, abuse, and domestic violence. She also has experience supporting those with substance use issues, mood conditions, and attachment or family-of-origin difficulties. This range informs how she plans sessions and sets goals with each person.
In practice she draws on client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and elements of narrative and the Gottman Method when relationship topics arise. That combination is used to address thinking patterns, emotional reactions, communication habits, and motivation for change.
Shari emphasizes collaboration. She helps people set clear, achievable goals and tracks progress over time. People considering work with her are asked to complete a short matching questionnaire before scheduling a first session.
How her approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and reflecting so people can better understand their feelings and choices; it helps when someone needs acceptance and clear, respectful feedback. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at specific thinking and behavior patterns and teaches practical skills to change them, which often helps with anxiety and mood challenges. Mindfulness Therapy introduces simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and improve emotional regulation.Choosing which approach to use is collaborative. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has worked in the past. Together they decide which methods to try first and adjust them as progress is tracked over sessions.
Session formats are not detailed in the biography, so confirm current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or avoid travel time. It also means practical tools like CBT worksheets, mindfulness exercises, and communication practice can be shared between sessions so people can try skills in everyday situations and discuss what happened at the next meeting.
Areas of expertise
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
20+ years
Listed in
Minnesota
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, ADHD, relationship and family issues, eating and sleeping problems, anger, self esteem, bipolar conditions, and related concerns.
What is her therapy style like?
Sessions are described as person-centered and strengths-focused with practical strategies. She listens, asks clear questions, and combines reflection with skill practice.
How much experience does she have?
She has 20 years of experience in mental health work across community, school, and outpatient settings and three years providing individual therapy.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a LICSW - Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker - licensed in Minnesota and practices from that state.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions scheduled and what does cost look like?
Cost varies by location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact prices are provided when booking.
What should I do to get started?
Begin by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a first session.