Sharon Sumler , LMSW

Sharon Sumler is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan with 20 years of experience supporting individuals, couples, families, children, teens, and adults. She draws on a breadth of clinical experience to address stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family difficulties, mood concerns such as depression and bipolar disorder, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting challenges, and issues related to self-esteem, anger, career transitions, and attention difficulties.

Sharon emphasizes a compassionate, strengths-focused approach that recognizes growth often follows difficult and challenging life experiences. She values collaboration and works to create a space where people can explore their emotions, re-evaluate self-worth, and develop practical tools to move forward. Her clinical practice integrates client-centered principles with evidence-informed strategies to meet each person where they are.

As an LMSW - a Licensed Master Social Worker - Sharon brings clinical training in social work alongside years of direct practice. She also works with complex presentations such as attachment and abandonment concerns, blended family dynamics, caregiver stress, codependency, and co-occurring conditions. Sharon aims to partner with clients to identify goals, build coping skills, and strengthen relationships while honoring each personâs unique story.

She is fluent in English and provides care shaped by empathy, respect, and a commitment to helping clients navigate life transitions and healing processes.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Sharon blends client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to tailor support to each personâs needs. Client-centered therapy focuses on empathy, active listening, and building a trusting therapeutic relationship so clients feel heard and understood - it is useful for exploring values, self-worth, and relationship concerns. CBT offers practical, skills-based strategies to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors - it is often effective for anxiety, depression, and stress management. DBT teaches skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness - it can help with intense emotions, relationship challenges, and coping with crises.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Sharon collaborates with clients to determine which combination of methods best fits their goals, preferences, and circumstances, adjusting strategies as progress unfolds. Clients are invited to be active partners in planning their care.

Online therapy with Sharon is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to access consistent support from licensed professionals without needing to travel, helping clients maintain momentum in therapy while balancing daily responsibilities.