Sharmen Rutherford , LPC-MHSP, LPC

Sharmen Rutherford brings 16 years of clinical experience supporting people through stressful, confusing, and painful life seasons. She focuses on practical tools and steady encouragement to help individuals rebuild a sense of direction and wellbeing. Her work often addresses addictions, co-occurring disorders, trauma, anxiety, depression, eating-related concerns, grief, self-harm, and pressures related to school and life transitions.

Rutherford holds LPC-MHSP and LPC credentials - Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health Service Provider and Licensed Professional Counselor - qualifications that indicate formal training and state licensure to provide mental health care. She is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and an Internationally Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and she is pursuing an Eating Disorders Specialist certification. These additional trainings guide her approach when working with trauma histories, substance use, and eating and body image issues.

Active in professional organizations that focus on substance use, trauma, and eating disorder work, she blends evidence-informed therapies with compassionate listening and client-centered collaboration. Rutherford aims to build a strong therapeutic relationship that supports long-term recovery and growth, helping each person identify values, develop coping strategies, and move toward a more fulfilling life.

Therapeutic approaches for online recovery and resilience

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and changing behaviors that maintain problems. It is often used for anxiety, depression, stress, and many other concerns by teaching practical skills to reframe thoughts and try new actions.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, emphasizes emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. It can be especially helpful for intense emotions, relationship struggles, and patterns of impulsive behavior, offering concrete skills to manage crises and build healthier habits.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, helps people clarify their values and take committed action even when difficult feelings arise. It supports coping with painful experiences by building psychological flexibility and focusing on what matters most to the individual.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process and will be decided collaboratively. The therapist works with clients to assess needs, preferences, and goals and will adapt methods over time so the treatment fits the person rather than forcing a single model.

Online sessions make it easier to access consistent care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options provide flexibility for busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow people to engage in therapy from settings that feel most comfortable, helping them maintain continuity of care and apply skills in everyday life.