Change is hard. I try to help people feel understood, supported, and accepted while using my expertise to guide exploration, help overcome struggles, and find life-affirming answers. We work together to bring about change and relief from the troubles that brought the person in to therapy. To see someone move to a higher understanding of and contentment with one’s self is exciting.
Approach to Therapy: Sharla believes that everyone goes through difficult transitions in life, which can be overwhelming and cause uncertainty, leading to anxiety, depression, and other distress. When this happens, we need someone to assist in exploring the possibilities for change, healing, and empowerment. Therapy is a way of addressing the problems that hinder knowing the self in these transitions, and a way to explore, find understanding, and strengthen meaning and balance. Through use of thoughtfulness, creativity, imagination, humor, and connection, we can begin to invest in leading to rich and meaningful lives.
Sharla is a Licensed Health Service Psychologist who provides individual and group therapy for those 12 years and older. Her main focus is working with people struggling with eating disorders. She enjoys providing therapy for therapists as well as the general population. To enhance her interest in professional development, she periodically reviews articles for the APA journal Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy .
Professional Background: Sharla earned her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Oklahoma in 2003. Her B.A in English Education & M.Ed. in Counseling are from Northeastern Oklahoma State University. She has been in private practice for over ten years. Prior to this, she was a school counselor 7 years, and taught psychology and English at the university and high school levels. She was the group process facilitator for the OU Psychology Intern Consortium 2007-2013. She is a founding member of and served as 2012 President of the Oklahoma Eating Disorders Association.
To make an appointment, call Hope Springs at 405-321-3600. Thank you!
Areas of Focus: Eating Disorders (bulimia, anorexia, compulsive overeating, obesity), Body-Related Disorders (body dysmorphic disorder, body image) Cultural/Diversity Focus, Relationship/Sexual Issues, Existential Issues, Grief & Loss, Trauma/PTSD/Anxiety & Panic, OCD, Health/Wellness, Self-Exploration/Strengths Exploration
Licensures and Certifications: Licensed Health Service Psychologist Oklahoma (#963) and Licensed Professional Counselor (#1243)
Memberships: American Psychological Association, International Positive Psychology Association, &Oklahoma Eating Disorders Association
