Shari Peterson

Therapist who blends evidence-based care with warmth

LICSW Minnesota

Experience: 20 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Shari

Shari Peterson is a licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) practicing in Minnesota with 20 years of experience in mental health. She has provided services across community-based settings, schools, and outpatient treatment, and has spent several years delivering one-on-one therapy to people facing a wide range of concerns.

Background and approach

Her background includes work with depression, anxiety, substance use, ADHD, personality disorders, relationship and family problems, and individuals affected by complex trauma, abuse, or domestic violence. Her therapeutic stance is relational and strengths-based, with an emphasis on authenticity and warmth.

She uses an individualized approach that blends client-centered principles with cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness practices, narrative work, and motivational interviewing depending on each person’s needs. This flexible mix aims to help clients build coping skills, clarify values, and address patterns that interfere with wellbeing.

Shari values collaboration and respects clients as experts in their own lives, supporting them as they explore change and recovery. Sessions are offered in formats that suit different lifestyles and schedules, and she works with clients to tailor goals and methods to their unique circumstances.

How therapy approaches translate to online care

Shari often blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy in her work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and developing practical tools to change patterns that contribute to anxiety, depression, or problematic coping. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes an empathic, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist follows the client's lead and supports personal insight and self-directed growth.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and what has or has not worked in the past to tailor methods that fit each person's situation. Together the client and therapist can try different strategies and shift emphasis as needs evolve, making adjustments based on progress and comfort.

Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, which offer flexibility for different lifestyles and schedules. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care when in-person visits are difficult, and they allow licensed professionals to provide structured therapies, skill-building exercises, and reflective conversation in ways that match individual routines and access needs.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does this therapist commonly address?

Shari works with a broad set of concerns including stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, ADHD, LGBT-related issues, relationship and family problems, eating and sleeping difficulties, parenting challenges, anger, self esteem, and bipolar disorder.

What is the therapist's overall approach and style?

The approach is strengths-based, relational, warm, and person-centered, combining client-centered work with cognitive-behavioral techniques, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and narrative methods to fit individual needs.

How much clinical experience does the therapist have?

She brings 20 years of experience in mental health practice across community mental health, school settings, and outpatient treatment, including multiple years providing individual therapy.

What are the therapist's credentials and location?

She is a licensed clinical social worker with the credential MN LICSW 25629 and practices in Minnesota.

Can sessions be conducted in other languages or with international clients?

Sessions are offered in English and the therapist is not currently accepting international clients.

What formats are available for sessions?

Therapy is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to accommodate different preferences and schedules.

How is cost handled for therapy sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What are the steps to begin working with this therapist?

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

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Depression ADHD

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorder

Additional focus areas

Attachment issuesBody imageChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImmigration issuesImpulsivity Isolation / loneliness Mood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-harmSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Gottman MethodMindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

20+ years

Licensed

Minnesota

Languages

English