- CBT techniques
- DBT skills
- EMDR methods
About Sharlene
Sharlene Duplessis is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Connecticut with 16 years of experience. She works with adults on issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship and family concerns, and parenting stress. She also helps people dealing with mood disorders, ADHD, and life transitions.
Sharlene draws on approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused strategies. In sessions she uses practical skills and structured tools to address overwhelming feelings and to build coping strategies. She emphasizes client-centered work and collaborates with people to set clear, manageable goals.
Many clients bring patterns from the family they grew up in. Sharlene addresses family of origin issues, blended family concerns, communication problems, and the strain of divorce or separation. She talks with people about guilt, shame, forgiveness, and finding direction at midlife or during big changes.
Her background includes extensive outpatient experience across community settings. That practical experience informs how she helps people manage anger, reduce isolation, and strengthen self-esteem. Sharlene supports work on self-harm prevention and mood stability when these concerns arise.
Sessions focus on concrete steps and skills. People leave with specific strategies they can practice between meetings. She accepts international clients and conducts work in English.
How her approaches translate to online work
Sharlene uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and test new behaviors. CBT sessions often include practical exercises and homework to use between meetings and are useful for anxiety, depression, and stress management.She also uses dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. DBT work focuses on concrete skills that can reduce impulsive reactions and improve communication in stressful moments.
Finding the right approach is collaborative. She will talk with each person about their goals and try methods that fit their needs. Together they choose which tools to prioritize and adjust the plan as work progresses.
Session formats and logistics should be confirmed before booking. The biography does not list specific formats, so ask about options when you start the process. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example scheduling a shorter check-in during a work break, avoiding travel time, or choosing a quieter setting that limits interruptions. These practical benefits help many people maintain regular sessions and practice skills between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
16+ years
Listed in
Connecticut
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with trauma and abuse, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, relationship and family issues, parenting stress, ADHD, and related concerns such as guilt, shame, and isolation.
What is her therapeutic style?
Her approach is client-centered and practical, using structured tools and skill practice from CBT, DBT, EMDR, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused work.
How much experience does she have?
She has 16 years of clinical experience, largely in outpatient settings working with adults on trauma-related and mood concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a CT LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Connecticut.
Can sessions be conducted in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
Yes, she accepts international clients.
How are sessions billed and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.