Sharmaine Whitten, LMFT

Sharmaine Whitten is a licensed marriage and family therapist who focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and major life changes. She speaks plainly and works to create a respectful, compassionate space where clients can talk through what feels overwhelming. Sharmaine tailors conversations and plans to each person’s needs and goals.

Sharmaine uses practical approaches to help clients notice unhelpful thoughts and try new behavior. She draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to break problems into clear steps. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ideas to help people clarify values and take meaningful action.

When relationships are strained, Sharmaine blends Emotionally-Focused and Gottman-informed ideas to improve communication and rebuild connection. She can work with people facing divorce, separation, or struggles around intimacy and trust. She also supports those coping with guilt, shame, or questions about life purpose.

Sessions may include short skill practices, reflection on patterns, and concrete homework to test changes between meetings. Sharmaine has five years of professional experience as an LMFT licensed in California. She aims to keep work straightforward and goal-focused so clients notice small changes quickly.

Sharmaine conducts sessions in English and does not accept international clients. She offers several online session formats to fit different schedules and daily demands.

Therapeutic approaches and online options

Sharmaine commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in online work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors through small, practical steps to reduce anxiety and depressive patterns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people clarify what matters to them and commit to actions that reflect their values, which can ease distress and increase purposeful living.

She also draws on Emotionally-Focused and Gottman-informed ideas for relationship concerns, helping people notice interaction patterns, express needs more clearly, and rebuild connection. Choosing an approach is collaborative; Sharmaine will discuss options and adjust methods based on a person’s goals, needs, and comfort level so the plan fits their life.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to work together. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation for in-depth work. Phone sessions can be a simpler option when video is difficult. Live chat or text-based messaging suits short check-ins, skill practice, or when someone needs support between sessions. These formats make it easier to fit therapy into busy days and to continue progress without traveling.