Profile / United States
Sharmaine Whitten, LMFT
California
LMFT - Stress and Relationship Concerns
See online therapy options- CBT for unhelpful thoughts
- ACT for values-based change
- Practical communication skills
About Sharmaine
Sharmaine Whitten is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California with five years of clinical experience. She works with people dealing with stress, anxiety, relationship problems, grief, depression, and major life changes. Sharmaine focuses on clear, practical steps to help clients manage day-to-day struggles.
She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) along with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) to address thoughts, feelings, and interaction patterns. Sessions typically include identifying unhelpful thoughts, testing new behaviors, and learning ways to respond differently when emotions run high. Sharmaine also draws on Solution-Focused and Gottman ideas for concrete communication skills and short-term problem solving.
Her work touches on communication problems, divorce and separation, forgiveness, guilt and shame, and questions about life purpose. She also supports people facing panic attacks, pregnancy and childbirth concerns, and building self-love. Conversations are direct and practical, with an emphasis on what to try between sessions.
Sharmaine explains options and collaborates on a plan that fits each person’s goals. She asks about daily routines and current coping strategies to shape clear next steps. Progress is tracked through specific skills and short experiments clients can use in real situations.
Sessions are conducted in English and follow California practice rules for LMFTs. People who want to start complete a short matching questionnaire and then schedule a first session.
How Sharmaine Uses CBT, ACT and EFT Online
Sharmaine frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice unhelpful thoughts and test different responses. CBT focuses on practical steps such as tracking thoughts, challenging patterns, and practicing new behaviors to reduce anxiety or depressive symptoms.She also works with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to clarify what matters most and to build small actions that align with those values. ACT is often used when people feel stuck or avoidant and want simple ways to move toward meaningful goals. Emotionally-Focused Therapy is used when relationship patterns and attachment reactions are the main concern; it helps people name emotions and change interaction cycles.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Sharmaine will talk with clients about their goals and preferences and then suggest which methods to try. This is a collaborative process where adjustments are made based on what helps most.
The biography does not list specific online session formats, so confirm the current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Therapists can adapt exercises and homework for video or phone work so practical skills are still practiced between sessions.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she help with most often?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, grief, depression, and coping with life changes. Additional areas include communication problems, divorce and separation, and panic attacks.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is practical and structured, using techniques that target thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Sessions often include skills practice and short experiments to try between meetings.
What is her professional background?
She has five years of experience as a practicing therapist and has worked with clients across common mood and relationship concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) licensed in California.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
The original biography does not specify session formats. Confirm current session options before booking so you know how sessions will be held.
How is cost handled?
Fees vary by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Check the service details for current pricing information.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.