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Sharon (Shonnie) Brown, LMFT

Based in California Online sessions

Calm guidance for parenting and life change

Book with Sharon
Years in practice
30
Credentials
LMFT
Licensed in
California
Languages
English
Focus
Stress, Anxiety
Focus
Relationship issues
Focus
Self esteem
About

About Sharon

Sharon (Shonnie) Brown is a licensed marriage and family therapist with 30 years of experience helping people cope with stress, anxiety, relationship strains, parenting concerns, and major life changes. She practices in California and draws on practical tools to help people take the next step when life feels overwhelming. Her approach is warm and straightforward.

She listens carefully, sets clear goals, and uses coping skills and mindfulness exercises to help people manage difficult feelings.

Background and approach

Writing exercises are offered when helpful as a way to process emotion and gain clarity. Shonnie trained at the University of California, Berkeley and earned a master’s degree in counseling psychology from JFK University in Orinda, California. Her long career includes work with individuals and couples and leading groups on separation, co-parenting, and social anxiety.

She pays particular attention to how past attachment and family of origin patterns shape present relationships. When people struggle to soothe themselves or to practice self-compassion, she helps them build self-protection, healthier boundaries, and more stable coping habits. Sessions are practical and focused on steps clients can use between meetings.

Techniques include goal setting, elements from cognitive-behavioral work, mindfulness practice, and activities drawn from attachment and existential ideas. Many clients find the combination of honest feedback and compassionate guidance useful for moving forward.

Focus areas and approaches

What Sharon works with

Everything Sharon lists, in the therapist's own terms. Parenting is the reason this directory exists; the rest shows what else Sharon helps people with.

Approaches Sharon lists

Listing an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist names and does not check training records.

Online support

Therapeutic approaches online and how they help

Attachment-based work focuses on how early relationships shape current connections. It helps people see patterns in trust, closeness, and boundaries so they can make different relationship choices and feel more supported.

Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening, empathy, and the client's own goals. The therapist follows the person's lead and helps clarify values and priorities, which is useful for parenting questions and major life transitions.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at thinking patterns that contribute to anxiety, low mood, or unhelpful behaviors. It includes practical exercises and homework to change thoughts and behaviors over time.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to choose methods that match needs, goals, and personal preferences. That process can be adjusted as progress is made.

Online sessions are offered by licensed professionals in formats that fit busy lives. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is low or when a quick check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging make short updates, coaching, or brief reflections possible between longer sessions. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent around parenting schedules, work, or other commitments.
Questions

Questions people ask about Sharon

What concerns does she help with?

She supports people facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and parenting issues, grief, trauma and many life transitions.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style is honest and direct while remaining warm. She focuses on clear goals, practical coping skills, and emotional awareness.

How much experience does she have?

She has 30 years of clinical experience practicing as a licensed professional in California.

What are her credentials and practice location?

She holds the credential LMFT, which is a California licensed marriage and family therapist, and practices in California.

Which languages are supported and can international clients join?

Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are offered?

She meets via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.

How does cost and payment work?

Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

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