About

About Sharon Shaw
Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Therapist
Bozeman, Montana

Being a Therapist is My Life’s Calling

While volunteering at a crisis hotline in college, I discovered that helping others was my calling. Twenty-plus years later I have never looked back.

In the past two decades I’ve worked in both mental health and chemical dependency clinical programs at every level of care.  This includes outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization and inpatient psychiatric and chemical dependency treatment programs. I’ve had the privilege of working with adults  and seniors, adolescents, family members, men, women, and veterans of the Iraq, Afghanistan and Viet Nam wars. I’ve also developed, implemented and supervised both mental health and chemical dependency treatment programs.

It’s been an honor and privilege to work with each of my clients.  It provides a deep sense of satisfaction to help people restore their emotional well-being so that they can live full and productive lives.

3 Reasons to Choose Me as Your Therapist

1. Compassionate and Non-Judgmental
   My relationship with you is of utmost importance. I work with you in a climate of respect for who you are, as well as the struggles you have. I am non-judgmental regardless of what your problems may be. I treat you as a unique individual with a unique set of circumstances that require a personalized treatment approach.
2. Committed to Excellence
   I am committed to providing the best service possible. This means I draw from evidence based therapies in my treatment approach. These are approaches which are supported by rigorous studies which show they are effective in reducing the symptoms of various mental health disorders. I seek regular consultation with industry experts and stay abreast of the latest developments in the field.
3. A Wealth of Diverse Therapy Experience
   I have 20+ years of experience helping people solve their problems and heal their pain.  This has included working with the following:
   • Depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and relationship problems
   • Adjustment Disorders
   • Loss and Grief
   • Chronic Mental Illness
   • Drug and Alcohol Addiction
   • Co-dependency
   • Veterans suffering from substance abuse, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury
   • Seniors with grief, depression and adjustment problems

In my work as a therapist, I have held several positions including the following:

• • Manager of psychiatric partial hospitalization program for adults and senior citizens
  • Manager of a drug and alcohol program for adults and adolescents
  • Mental Health Executive Committee Member, Veterans Administration
  • Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Coordinator, Veterans Administration
  • Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator, Veterans Administration
  • Outpatient therapist at private and community mental health centers

Therapy Credentials

B.S. Psychology, Florida State University
Masters in Social Work, Florida State University

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida 1992 – present
Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Montana 2005 – present

Member of National Association of Social Workers
Member of Academy of Cognitive Therapy

Certifications:

Level 3 Advanced Therapist, TEAM CBT  –  Cutting edge cognitive – behavioral therapy for  anxiety, depression, and bad habits from The Feeling Good Institute, www.feelinggoodinstitute.com

Prolonged  Exposure – Evidence based treatment for PTSD from the Montana Veterans Administration

Favorite Pastimes

When I am not providing therapy to clients, I love to travel, and visit art, history, and science museums; national parks, historic landmarks, beautiful architecture and landscapes.

I also enjoy cycling, walking, reading, and dance.

If you think I am the therapist for you, contact me for a free 15-minute phone consultation.