- Addictions
- Guilt and shame
- Self esteem
About Sharon
Sharon O'Hara is a California-licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with 33 years of clinical experience. She works with adults who are carrying stress, anxiety, relationship or intimacy concerns, and struggles with self-esteem or coping with life changes. Sharon also addresses addictions and issues related to guilt and shame.
She focuses on practical conversations in session. Sharon adapts how she talks and plans work depending on each person's situation. That can mean looking at relationship patterns, examining impulses and compulsions, or talking through what keeps someone stuck in self-criticism or shame.
Her background includes long-term clinical work with people facing divorce or separation, caregiver stress, and challenges around sexual or process addictions. She also supports people navigating midlife questions, isolation, or shifts in life purpose. Sessions can include discussion of communication problems and ways to rebuild self-regard.
Sharon uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address symptoms and behaviors while keeping things practical. She draws on methods that help reduce compulsive patterns and improve emotional regulation, and she applies approaches that focus on relationships and intimacy when relevant.
Her tone in session is respectful and direct. She encourages clear goals and small steps that fit into daily life. To begin, prospective clients follow the site process to match and schedule a first session so they can discuss the most helpful next steps.
Approaches used online and how they help
Sharon works with evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on behavior change and emotional regulation. One common technique involves identifying unhelpful thought and behavior patterns, then practicing alternative responses to reduce compulsive or anxious reactions. This helps with issues like anxiety, obsessions, and process addictions.Another approach emphasizes relationship and intimacy work, looking at how communication and boundaries affect patterns of guilt, shame, and connection. That kind of work can help people clarify needs, address intimacy-related concerns, and reduce cycles of blame or avoidance.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Sharon views treatment as a collaborative process where she and the client consider goals, preferences, and what has or hasn't helped before. They adjust methods over time based on what is most effective for the person's current life and priorities.
The site biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy day, allow for shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Licensed professionals can use online work to keep momentum between appointments and to practice new skills in real-life contexts.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Experience
33+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of issues does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, addictions, self-esteem, and coping with life changes, plus related concerns such as guilt and shame.
How does she approach guilt and shame?
Sharon uses practical, evidence-based techniques to address the behaviors and thoughts that keep guilt or shame active. She focuses on concrete steps and conversations to shift self-blame and reduce rumination.
How much experience does she have?
She has 33 years of professional experience working in clinical settings with adults on a range of concerns from addiction to relationship and life-stage stresses.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LMFT licensed in California and practices with that credential in the state.
Does she see people who speak other languages?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are offered?
The biography does not specify session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session to begin.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.