Sharon Wilkening, LMHC

Sharon Wilkening is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in New York who brings a multidisciplinary background to clinical work. She completed her undergraduate studies at Syracuse University in 1998 and completed an internship at Georgetown Law before serving in federal law enforcement from 1998 to 2002 while earning an MA in Forensic Psychology from Marymount University. After relocating to New York, she joined Lewis County Community Mental Health Center where she led a youth diversion program supporting adolescents involved with the criminal justice system who also had mental health diagnoses.

Beginning full-time clinical work in 2003, Sharon moved into private practice where she has provided therapy for individuals facing depression, anxiety, PTSD and trauma, domestic violence, substance use disorder, and premarital and marital concerns. With over 16 years of experience in mental health and substance use disorder treatment, she emphasizes a non-judgmental, unbiased stance and meets clients where they are. Sharon draws on a range of evidence-based methods including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, solutions-focused therapy, strength-based approaches, and motivational interviewing to tailor care to each person’s needs.

As an LMHC, Sharon is credentialed to provide professional mental health counseling and aims to combine clinical training with practical skills to support clients working through stress, relationship challenges, grief, and life transitions.

Evidence-Based Methods and the Convenience of Online Care

Sharon commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a structured, goal-focused approach that helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. She also integrates dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness for clients managing intense emotions or relationship difficulties. In addition, Sharon employs motivational interviewing, a collaborative conversational style that supports readiness for change and is especially useful for addressing substance use and ambivalence about goals.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Sharon works with each client to understand their needs, goals, and preferences, and adapts techniques over time to find the best fit for their situation. The therapeutic plan evolves based on progress and client feedback.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging make it easier to fit care into busy schedules, maintain continuity during life changes, and access a licensed professional from different locations within the therapist's service area. This range of options supports consistent engagement and allows clients to choose the format that works best for them.