About Sharla

(She/Her)

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Washington state and received my Masters of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Washington in Seattle. My social work training incorporates the influence of society, community and personal support systems on the individual experience. With over 10 years in the healthcare field, I have experience supporting individuals struggling with grief/loss, chronic illnesses, anxiety, depression and trauma. I identify as a second generation Filipina American and am deeply passionate about de-stigmatizing mental health in the Filipinx American community. In my personal time, I enjoy hiking around the PNW or national parks, chasing waterfalls, yoga, catching up with close friends and spending time with my husband, two children and dogs. 

My Therapeutic Approach

I approach therapy with a social justice and anti-oppressive framework. I practice from a trauma-informed, strengths-based, narrative lens to learn about you as a person. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral therapy (DBT), mindfulness and solution-focused techniques to help you accomplish your goals. Imagine our time together as a space dedicated to your growth, where you plant the seeds. I can help you find the tools to make these seeds grow. Even through Telehealth video conversations, I hope to create rapport with clients through compassion and being fully present. Therapy is a form of self-love, a time to explore feelings that may be preventing you from living your full potential. Therapy takes time, energy and vulnerability. If you are ready to share, I am ready to listen. I hope to create a therapeutic environment as we slowly unpack whatever may be holding you back.

Education

  • Bachelors of Science in Psychology, University of Washington- 2009

  • Masters in Social Work (Health and Mental Health concentration), University of Washington- 2013

Specialized Training

  • Dialectal Behavioral Therapy trained

  • Trauma informed

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy training, City of Hope

  • Enneagram Training

  • Henry Benson Institute’s SMART (Stress Management and Resiliency Training) Program for Mind Body Medicine