Sharon L. Heath, JD, MS, LPC
Sharon’s experience working as a Sexual Abuse and Assault Counselor at Mutual Ground, Inc, in Aurora, Illinois, has given her broad experience working with a variety of mental health diagnoses. Sharon has experience treating trauma, sexual abuse, mood disorders, personality disorders, and addictions. Sharon has worked with domestic violence victims and helped individuals find the internal strength and self-esteem necessary to leave dangerous or unhealthy relationships.
Sharon’s experience includes individual, family and group counseling. She has worked with children, teens, and adults. With families, Sharon has helped parents to develop more effective parenting skills. Sharon’s goal is to help parents connect to their children in a deeper, more meaningful way. Sharon has helped both adolescents and their parents find ways to communicate with and care for one another, building strong family bonds. Sharon’s work as a therapist, as well as her earlier work as an attorney, has taught her that communication, empathy, and healthy family relationships are key to successful development. In family therapy, Sharon endeavors to build and strengthen these essentials.
In her work, Sharon focuses on evidence based therapy techniques. Her approach to counseling is heavily influenced by cognitive-behavioral therapy, utilizing exposure and cognitive processing therapies when appropriate. Sharon believes that thoughts, and the core beliefs underlying them, are powerful, affecting both feelings and behaviors. Dysfunctional, or limited, thinking can lead to depression and anxiety, as well as other mental health problems. Recognizing and challenging automatic thoughts can bring tremendous relief. Sharon incorporates mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, and awareness into her counseling approach. However, Sharon believes that clients achieve greater success when they also understand the “why” behind their choices and behaviors. To help each client explore and understand his or her motivations, Sharon also utilizes a psychodynamic aspect in her counseling.
Sharon recognizes that sometimes words are difficult, or they simply cannot convey feelings and experiences. To facilitate greater healing Sharon uses, when appropriate, more expressive therapies, such as art or sand tray, to help clients reach difficult or painful emotions.
Sharon is also the facilitator for the new Fall Into a Healthier You support groups. Learn more about the groups.
Education
Sharon received her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology degree from Benedictine University. Her degree includes a subspecialty in Child and Adolescent Counseling. Sharon also has a law degree from Loyola University of Chicago, as well as a Bachelor of Science, with a major in Psychology, from Loyola University of Chicago. Sharon is currently pursuing a Certification in Alcohol and Other Drug Counseling. Sharon is a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Professional Affiliations
- Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association
- DuPage County Bar Association
Contact
Contact Sharon Heath:
- Email: sharonheath@doctoragor.com
- Phone: 630-621-5824