This interview was so much fun! Kelly Sharp, LSW, is such a skilled clinician and provides such good quality care for her clients. I enjoyed having an opportunity to know her a bit better, and I am convinced you will also! 

Jenn: Kelly where did you get your Master’s degree from and will you please tell us what your degree is in?

Kelly Sharp: I received my Masters in Social Work from Capella University.

Jenn: Kelly what is your official license?

Kelly Sharp: I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) in the State of Illinois. I am currently pursuing my licensure in Clinical Social Work (LCSW).

Jenn: Kelly, will you tell me why you chose to work at The Mental Wellness Center?

Kelly Sharp: I was really drawn to The Mental Wellness Center’s values pertaining to both the clients and the therapists. I feel it is a place that is inclusive and welcoming to all clients. It is also a company that truly cares about the well-being and self-care of its therapists. As someone who is a lifelong learner, they offer a lot of continuing education opportunities so it is also a place that will support my continued growth. I believe these qualities are incredibly important and rare.

Jenn: Kelly Sharp, I absolutely value that answer! Will you tell us what excites you about being at The Mental Wellness Center?

Kelly Sharp: I love the fact that being part of a multispecialty group will allow me to consult with my peers and better care for my clients. I am looking forward to creatively contributing to such a fun and forward-thinking practice. I think together we will really find ways to promote mental wellness and healing in the community. 

Jenn: Will you please share with us what made you want to become a therapist:

Kelly Sharp: For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to provide comfort and resources for people in distress. My positive experience with my own therapist made me realize I really wanted to provide psychotherapy as well. I chose to be a therapist because it is the most beautiful work I could ever imagine. I cannot think of a more rewarding career than one that allows me to decrease suffering and improve quality of life. It is an honor and privilege to play a part in the stories of my clients. 

Jenn: Who are the people you thrive on seeing?

Kelly Sharp:  The sessions that leave me feeling most energized are when my clients are reflective and are consistently engaged in the work they’re doing with me both inside and outside of the session. When a client is determined to keep showing up even though it's quite evident things are difficult and exhausting for them. However, I think that I thrive most on particular moments in therapy. It is really neat to be a part of a moment when someone first “gets” it. An example of this might be when a survivor of PTSD who has not felt much of anything takes off their protective armor and has a feeling towards other people or about themselves (that isn’t self-loathing) for the first time since childhood. Seeing clients transform to a place which they once did not deem possible is an incredible thing to witness.

Jenn: What are the issues that you just LOVE working with?

Kelly Sharp: The issues I love working with most are addiction, grief/loss, and post-traumatic stress disorder. As a social worker, I have been trained to solve highly complex problems with a wide variety of resources (internal and external). I have acquired this skill set because it is a good fit for working with people whose worlds have been flipped upside down following a significant life event or trauma. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with my clients in addiction recovery over the years. While this list is not exhaustive, I have recently provided therapy to clients who are living with chronic physical health conditions, grieving the death/loss of a loved one, recovering from racial trauma, facing childhood trauma, and preparing for the social/emotional aspects of retirement. I enjoy helping clients explore, find/make meaning, rebuild their lives, and grow. By doing so, they can overcome the wounds of loss and trauma to live more joyful and authentic lives.

Jenn: Kelly, can you tell us what sets you apart from every other therapist in the world?

Kelly Sharp: Like most therapists, I provide keen observations, validation, and sometimes challenging inquiries, but I also think it is great to provide humor at times. There are tears at times but also as the relationship builds between my clients and I there is probably more laughter than you would think. What people generally say they remember most about me is my boisterous laugh. I really want my office to be a place where we can fully be ourselves. A place where we can have hard discussions but also celebrate victories and relieve stress. 

Jenn: I love that one of your big skill sets is validation. It is so crucial for so many people! Kelly, what is it about working with people that you love?

Kelly Sharp: I love to witness the change process of a client and their evolution to emotional enlightenment. It is so impressive to hear about a client leaving an unhealthy relationship after recognizing their self-worth or a client who takes ownership of their pain after many years of placing blame. Working with people is so fulfilling when you can see clients gain peace, personal insight, and an empowered mindset to move through life and future challenges.

Jenn: That power of change in human beings really is so amazing to witness! What modalities do you typically use when working with clients?

Kelly Sharp: I like to draw from multiple modalities in my practice. I use mindfulness with almost all of my clients to increase self-awareness. I tend to use strength-based and person-centered therapy with nearly every client as well. Depending upon what is being treated, I will then use a combination of components from solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

Jenn: How do you best connect with your clients?

Kelly Sharp: My work with Attachment-Based Therapy has really reminded me how we are all born wired for connection. I like to connect with my clients by establishing a safe environment that is based in non-judgment, empathy, and trust. My therapeutic style is warm, casual, and conversational. I stay genuinely engaged with my clients and allow space for the client to take the session where they want. I respect their values, beliefs, and practices even if they are different from my own. I hold such gratitude in my heart for my current, past, and future clients who bravely invite me into their lives.

Jenn: I absolutely love attachment-based work. Kelly Sharp, what are your favorite self-care techniques? How do you decompress:

Kelly Sharp: In the warmer months I am often outside appreciating nature by hiking, taking photographs, practicing yoga, and attending outdoor concerts. I find myself practicing mindfulness in my hikes which is an added bonus. At home, I like to spend time with my partner, read, and try new recipes. I also enjoy exploring new cities/cultures in my travels. Currently, you might find me in one of the local coffee shops in one of the various charming small towns in the area but I would really like to travel abroad again soon.

Jenn: Is there anything else that everyone reading should know?

Kelly Sharp: I know firsthand how hard it can be to take those first steps towards finding a therapist and going to therapy. Growth isn’t always comfortable but it's so worth it. I consider my own leap into therapy to be my most radical act of self-love yet and probably the best investment I have ever made for myself. You also deserve to make yourself a priority and take this time for yourself. 

I am accepting new clients. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

For more information on Kelly check out her profile here:

https://www.thementalwellnesscenter.com/kelly-sharp

To set up an appointment with Kelly or one of our other therapists please contact us at Info@TheMentalWellnessCenter.com or call us at 309-807-5077.