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LICSW

Shari Peterson, LICSW

  • Experience20 years
  • LocationMinnesota
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Addictions
  • Therapy approachesClient-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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About Shari

Shari Peterson is a Minnesota-licensed clinical social worker (LICSW) with two decades of experience in mental health care. Her background includes work in community-based settings, schools, and outpatient treatment, and she has spent several years providing direct therapy to individuals.

Background and approach

Over her career she has supported people facing depression, anxiety, substance use concerns, relationship and personality challenges, ADHD, and survivors of complex trauma, abuse, and domestic violence. Her therapeutic stance emphasizes strengths, relational connection, and authenticity, creating a warm, person-centered atmosphere where clients can explore change at their own pace.

Treatment is tailored to each person, drawing on client-centered methods alongside cognitive-behavioral tools, mindfulness practices, narrative techniques, and elements of solution-focused and somatic work. Shari values collaboration and respects each person as the expert on their own life, aiming to partner with clients as they define goals and pursue recovery.

Clients can expect an individualized approach that blends practical skills with reflective exploration, and a therapist who prioritizes trust, empathy, and clear, respectful communication throughout the therapeutic process.

Approach-driven care available online



Client-centered therapy focuses on building a collaborative, respectful relationship where the client's perspective guides the work; it helps people feel heard and supports exploration of personal values and goals. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) offers practical skills to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be useful for anxiety, depression, ADHD-related challenges, and many everyday stressors. Mindfulness therapy teaches present-moment awareness and stress-management techniques that can reduce emotional reactivity and improve coping across a range of concerns.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each person to consider their goals, preferences, and life context, and then adapt methods over time so the plan fits evolving needs. That partnership helps determine whether skills-focused work, relational exploration, mindfulness practice, or a blend makes the most sense.

Online sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging provide flexibility for people balancing work, family, and geographic constraints. These formats make it possible to access licensed professionals from home or other convenient locations, offering continuity of care and multiple ways to engage depending on comfort level and practical needs.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Shari commonly address?
She works with a broad range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, ADHD, trauma and abuse, relationship and family problems, eating and sleeping difficulties, anger, self esteem, and bipolar-related concerns.
What is her therapeutic approach and style?
Her style is strengths-based, relational, warm, and person-centered, combining client-centered work with cognitive-behavioral, narrative, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing techniques to match each client's needs.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings 20 years of experience in mental health, including roles in community mental health, school settings, and outpatient treatment, with several years focused on providing individual therapy.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a licensed independent clinical social worker - MN LICSW 25629 - and practices from Minnesota.
Which languages are available for sessions and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English, and she is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available for online work?
Clients can meet by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on their needs and schedule.
How is cost and payment handled?
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 together?
To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD

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 issuesImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic 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

What Shari can help with

Shari Peterson works with clients on stress and anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, depression, and ADHD.

Shari works with clients with concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and personality disorders.

How Shari approaches therapy

Shari's clinical approaches include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gottman Method, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Experience and training

Shari is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker practicing in Minnesota, with 20 years of clinical experience.