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Shari Peterson

Therapist profile

Shari Peterson, LICSW

Minnesota

LICSW - Stress and Family related concerns

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About

  • Client-centered therapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy
  • Mindfulness methods

About Shari

Shari Peterson is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Minnesota with 20 years of experience in mental health. She has worked in community mental health, school settings, and outpatient treatment, and spent several years providing one-to-one therapy. Her practice addresses concerns such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, addictions, trauma and abuse, relationship strain, parenting stress, sleep and eating problems, anger, and self-esteem.

Peterson also supports people facing complex trauma, domestic violence, and family of origin issues. She draws on several therapeutic approaches to match what a person needs in the moment. Sessions focus on practical conversation, problem-solving, and exploring how past patterns affect current life.

Her described style centers on a strengths-based, relational, and person-centered way of working. That means she listens for what is going well, pays attention to how people relate to others, and follows the client's priorities. Techniques from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness are used alongside narrative work and motivational interviewing when helpful.

People who come for help with parenting stress or family problems can expect straightforward discussion about communication, boundaries, and coping strategies. For worries about addiction or mood, she uses motivational and behavioral tools to set short-term goals and track progress.

Minnesota licensure (LICSW) is listed as her credential, and sessions are conducted in English. Costs vary by location and use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. To begin, prospective clients complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule an initial appointment.

How sessions work

How her approaches translate to online work

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and following the person's priorities. It helps when someone needs a steady, respectful listener to sort through parenting stress or relationship conflicts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thought and behavior and uses concrete exercises and short-term goals to reduce anxiety, manage mood, or address sleep and eating problems. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices to reduce reactivity and improve emotional regulation. Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about current concerns, what has helped before, and practical goals. Together they will try methods that fit the client's needs and change course if something is not working. The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Many people find that remote sessions can fit into a busy day more easily, allow shorter check-ins when needed, or remove travel time. Others prefer longer sessions that allow deeper reflection. The therapist will work with the client to make session length and pacing suit everyday life and responsibilities.

Areas of focus

Areas of expertise

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

Listed in

Minnesota

Languages

English

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she help with?

She works with adults on issues such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, addictions, trauma and abuse, relationship and family problems, parenting strain, sleep and eating concerns, anger, and self-esteem.

How would you describe her therapeutic style?

Her style is described as strengths-based, relational, and person-centered, combining practical conversation with techniques from cognitive behavioral and narrative approaches.

How much experience does she have?

She has 20 years working in mental health, including roles in community-based settings, schools, and outpatient treatment, plus several years providing individual therapy.

Where is she licensed and based?

She is a Minnesota Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and practices in Minnesota.

What languages are offered and are international clients accepted?

Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are available?

The original biography does not specify session formats. Confirm current session options before booking to know whether sessions are online, phone, or in person.

How are sessions priced?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin with a first session?

Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session through the platform.

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.

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Shari Peterson

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