Sharon (Shonnie) Brown

Hello! I’m a northern California native and have lived much of my adult life adapting to other cultures. Life’s challenges and transitions, including divorce and shyness, have facilitated my growth as a psychotherapist, helping me to accept change as part of life. I received my B.A. from UC Berkeley and my M.A. in counseling psychology from JFK University in Orinda, CA. I have 25+ years experience as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), working primarily with individuals and couples. I have facilitated groups on separation and divorce, infidelity, co-parenting education, and social anxiety. Particular areas of interest are: major life transitions, separation and divorce, infidelity, couples and relationship counseling, broken friendships, self-esteem issues, young adulthood, employment issues, parenting, and aging issues. I am also a professional writer and use writing as a tool for emotional healing.. My work is honest, direct, and from the heart. I use a variety of approaches, including cognitive and solution-focused therapies, family systems, and psychodynamic. Recently I have incorporated Pete Walker, MFT’s roadmap on childhood trauma (Complex PTSD) into my work. An inability to self-soothe or tolerate one’s own feelings (i.e. hurt, anger, jealousy, guilt, fear) is the underlying main issue for my clients. The other main issue is lack of self-compassion, self-protection, and self-love. I use tools such as goal setting, coping skills, mindfulness exercises, and writing exercises (as desired) along with building a strong therapeutic relationship. Life is delicate and fragile. I work on optimism and gratitude every day. As human beings we can only take one step at a time. Please consider contacting me as a step toward the change you want in your life.