There are many ways to create change and spark healing and growth. I assist people to identify what they want from life and relationships and to develop action plans with support to follow through with them. My objectives are to help clients overcome problems or self-defeating life patterns, increase awareness, improve communication, clarify thoughts, feelings and values. This often leads people to feel more confident and flexible in the lives they wish to live.

I use a Narrative and Solution-Focused approach to therapy in combination with Cognitive Behavioral techniques. My work integrates Verbal Therapy, Hypnotherapy and Art and Photo Therapy. It is often hard to find words for our inner feelings, fears and experiences. Art materials (from pencils and magic markers to paint, photos, videos and Pastry Therapy™) can give form to these concepts, lead to greater awareness and self esteem, clarify values and beliefs and create new perspectives and choices. Making art and tapping into the creative process can be a powerful way to express your thoughts and feelings. It can be calming, lead to focus and integrate polarities, as well as assist in expanding options, energizing or facilitating decision-making and risk-taking. No previous art experience is needed. The process is usually more important than the end product.

Hypnosis is a heightened state of awareness in which concentration becomes highly focused. It involves inducing clients into the relaxed, suggestive state of hypnosis and then offering post-hypnotic suggestions for relief from symptoms. All Hypnosis is self-hypnosis. The client is always in charge and I validate the fact that all the "answers" are within the client. Hypnosis is a natural state of mind that humans experience often in their lives (one familiar example is "highway hypnosis"). The benefits of Hypnotherapy can be accelerated learning and reduction in symptoms such as addictions, physical pain, debilitating mood or emotional patterns and reactions to trauma. Self-hypnosis has huge potential for empowering people to increase control and make changes in their lives.

I provide a supportive, effective, empowering and inspiring atmosphere for individuals and couples experiencing Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Bipolar, Gender, Sexuality, Relationship and Self-Esteem issues, as well as Work-Related Stress. My interests have lead me to become familiar with a variety of topics including Assertiveness, Decision-Making, Making Changes, GLBTQ issues, Creativity and Hypnosis.
Counseling costs $90 for a 50 minute session and $160 for a 90 minute session. I have several sliding scale spots available or I accept most insurances. Questions to know about your insurance: 1) Am I covered for mental health counseling with Sharon Sanborn? 2) If applicable, am I covered for couples/family counseling (CPT code 90846 or 98047)? 3) Which insurance company should claims be submitted to and mailing address? 4) Do I have a deductible? How much? If yes, have I already met it or not? 5) How much co-pay or co-insurance do I owe per visit? 6) How many sessions am I covered for per year? Start date? How many sessions have I used so far? Payment is due at time of service. See Contact page for payment options.

I have a MA in Psychology and am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor trained as an Art Therapist and Certified Hypnotherapist with over 20 years experience in the mental health and teaching fields. In addition to a psychotherapy private practice, I have worked in inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities and crisis intervention settings. I have taught at the university and community college level, as well as at language institutions in Germany. I have professional affiliations with the American Art Therapy Association, the Evergreen Art Therapy Association and the Seattle Counselors Association.