SHARON SHEPPARD Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional

SHARON SHEPPARD

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional

Hello, I’m Sharon. Every day at FCTR, I have the privilege of working with the bravest folks on the planet and none of you know it when you first walk in the door.

Dealing with Trauma Can Be Tough

Most often you arrive feeling defeated, overwhelmed with anxiety and ashamed that you aren't able to "move past" or "get over" your sexual, physical or emotional trauma. It's also common for you to come and see me not because you are aware of trauma but because you have a nagging, chronic sense that something is just not right, an unhappiness; feeling unloved or unlovable, disconnected from friends and family, having lost a sense of purpose or direction. Without knowing that these symptoms may be telling us that a past trauma--long ago dismissed, minimized or buried deep inside is demanding to be addressed.

Childhood Sexual Abuse Doesn't Stop in Childhood

I specialize in clients with a history of childhood sexual abuse. Childhood sexual abuse is often buried deep in our mind, and for a good reason, children do not have the ability to make sense of inappropriate sexual behaviors & our brain takes us "offline" to protect us.

It doesn't mean the impact of abuse is not there, it just means we may not be aware of its impact. At some point we may be triggered-an event happens, our own child turns the age we were when our abuse began, a scent, a place, anything that our brain or body associates with the trauma can trigger memories of the abuse and a cavalcade of symptoms.

Thrive Instead of Just Survive

At its core, symptoms of trauma leave us surviving (hello, flight or fight response). You can move from surviving to thriving. Take back control of your life, instead of being controlled by the fear, anxiety and helplessness that resulted from a past event.

You are the bravest people I know because taking the steps to address trauma is hard work. It takes commitment and courage to free yourself from the effects of it. But, it can be done. I couldn't do what I do if I didn't see people's lives changed & people whole & hopeful.

Trauma Therapy Could Help You Get Your Life Back

If you are a trauma survivor who needs some help processing or if you're experiencing some of the symptoms I mentioned earlier and suspect that trauma may be a factor, I'd love to meet with you. My commitment is to walk with you, give you the tools to go forward in life free of the burden of trauma.

A Little More About Me

Beacon, dog of FCTR

I enjoy traveling, reading and collecting books which I leave randomly scattered around the house. My husband, Mark, can verify this endearing or annoying habit. It’s all about perspective, right? Most traveling these days is to visit my children and adorable grandsons, Henry and Sam.

My desire to help others with trauma histories was born, in part, from her appreciation and admiration of the remarkable professionals who walked along side me as

I processed, healed and moved forward from my own complex trauma.
One more thing, my puppy Beacon, an 11 lb. yorkiepoo, often accompanies me to work where he shares lots of snuggles and provides comfort to my trauma clients.

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Now for the Official Background Stuff

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) with a Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. My passion for working with trauma survivors led me to become a therapist after a fulfilling career in property management and development. I work best with people who are committed to the process of change and working through the difficult process of overcoming their pain.

I have worked with clients struggling with anxiety, sexual and emotional abuse for many years in private practice. Additionally, I volunteered as a youth pastor for multiple years, and during that time, developed a curriculum focused on helping adolescent girls overcome the damage of childhood sexual abuse. I offer therapy from a holistic and hope focused perspective and can incorporate your faith to your level of comfort and desire. I also offer therapy groups and yoga classes to help facilitate healing. I believe that faith is an integral part of healing and will incorporate your faith beliefs and resources into your treatment, if you would like.