- ACT
- CBT
- Gottman Method
About Sharmaine
Sharmaine Whitten is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with five years of experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, grief, depression, and major life changes. Sharmaine also focuses on issues like communication problems, divorce and separation, forgiveness, guilt and shame, panic, pregnancy and childbirth, life purpose, and self-love.
Sharmaine keeps sessions straightforward and practical. She uses evidence-informed methods to help people name what matters and try different ways of responding. Conversations often include noticing thoughts and feelings, practicing new ways of communicating, and setting manageable goals between sessions.
Her background combines several therapeutic approaches. She draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people observe difficult thoughts and take meaningful action. Emotionally-Focused Therapy and the Gottman Method guide work on relationship patterns and repairing connection. Solution-Focused Therapy is used to identify small, doable steps that move a person forward.
Sharmaine aims to work collaboratively rather than prescribe one path. She listens for what feels most useful and adjusts the focus as progress unfolds. Many people find this mix helpful when guilt or shame keeps them stuck or when they want clearer communication in relationships.
Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session after selecting the See online therapy options button.
How her approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without getting driven by them, then choose actions that reflect their values. It can be useful for guilt and shame when someone wants to live differently from those feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying thought patterns and testing them with practical experiments and behavior changes, which can reduce anxiety and unhelpful self-judgments.Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, try methods that fit, and adjust plans based on what helps. That collaborative stance means the focus can shift from skills practice to relationship work when needed, or combine elements from different methods.
The biography does not specify session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when time is limited, and remove travel time. Licensed professionals can use online work to practice new communication strategies, try exposure exercises for panic, or plan real-life steps to address guilt and relationship strains.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she work with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship struggles, grief, depression, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include communication problems, divorce and separation, forgiveness, guilt and shame, panic, pregnancy and childbirth, life purpose, and self-love.
How does she approach shame and guilt?
She uses approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice painful thoughts and try different responses. Work often includes setting small goals and practicing new ways of relating to difficult feelings.
What is her clinical experience?
She has five years of professional experience working with adults on mood, relationship, and life transition concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a LMFT licensed in California and practices from that state.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or internationally?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Confirm current session options before booking to learn whether video, phone, or other formats are offered.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.