About Sharon
Sharon Wilkening is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in New York with more than 16 years working in mental health and substance use care. She began her career after studies at Syracuse University and a master’s in forensic psychology, and moved into clinical work soon after.
Sharon brings a direct, non-judgmental style to sessions and focuses on practical steps people can use right away. She spent early years running a youth diversion program and later transitioned to full-time therapy and independent practice.
Background and approach
That work shaped her understanding of how trauma, legal stressors, and substance use intersect with mental health. Sharon commonly helps people facing depression, anxiety, grief, and difficulties with intimacy and relationships. Her approach blends several evidence-based techniques to match the needs of each person.
She uses cognitive behavioral methods to identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns. Dialectical behavior ideas are used to teach emotion regulation and distress tolerance skills. Sharon also draws on solution-focused and strength-based strategies to set achievable goals and highlight personal resources.
Motivational interviewing skills are used when people are ambivalent about change, especially around substance use or lifestyle shifts. Sessions are offered through a range of online formats, including video calls, phone, live chat, and text-based messaging. Sharon aims to make therapy practical and accessible so people can fit treatment into busy lives and work toward realistic change.
Evidence-based approaches for online care
Sharon uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help people spot and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can ease depression and anxiety by creating clear, doable action steps. She also applies dialectical behavior concepts to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills when strong feelings or relationship conflict get in the way of daily life.Choosing the best approach is a collaborative process. Sharon will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t worked in the past. Together they decide which techniques to try and adjust the plan as progress is made.
Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Video calls are useful for a more traditional session feel, while phone sessions work well when bandwidth or camera use is difficult. Live chat and messaging let people check in between sessions or fit shorter conversations into a busy day. These formats aim to make consistent care more flexible and easier to keep up with.
Frequently asked questions
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Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
Also works with
- Career difficulties
- Coaching
- Coping with life changes
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Self esteem
- Trauma and abuse
- Experience
- 16 years
- Licensed
- New York
- Languages
- English