Shari Peterson, LICSW

Compassionate LICSW for trauma and relationships

Trauma and abuse
CBT and mindfulness
Relationship and family work

About Shari Peterson

Shari Peterson is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) practicing in Minnesota with more than 20 years of experience in the mental health field. She has worked across community-based mental health programs, school settings, and outpatient treatment, and has spent three years providing individual therapy. Over the course of her career she has supported people dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, personality disorders, anger, substance use disorders, ADHD, and those who have experienced complex trauma, abuse, and domestic violence.

Her clinical style emphasizes strengths, relational connection, authenticity, warmth, and a person-centered stance. She individualizes care by combining client-centered, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and narrative therapies alongside mindfulness and somatic techniques. Shari values each person as the expert on their own life and partners with clients to clarify goals, draw on existing strengths, and develop practical strategies for change.

Her approach aims to acknowledge the impact of past experiences while concentrating on current resources and forward-looking steps. Shari’s background in varied settings informs a flexible, compassionate practice designed to meet a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, Anxiety Addictions Trauma and abuse Depression ADHD

Also Specializes In

LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorder

Additional Focus Areas

Attachment issuesBody imageChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommunication problemsControl issuesDependent personalityDissociationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameImmigration issuesImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-harmSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Gottman Method Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Shari Peterson have?

Shari Peterson has 20 years of experience working in the mental health field.

Is Shari Peterson a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credential LICSW, which indicates Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. License details are MN LICSW 25629.

In which languages does Shari Peterson provide therapy?

Shari Peterson provides therapy in English.

Where is Shari Peterson located?

Shari Peterson is located in Minnesota.

How can I work with Shari Peterson as my therapist?

You can work with Shari Peterson through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Shari Peterson work with international clients?

Shari Peterson does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Shari Peterson cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Shari Peterson

Shari integrates client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and the Gottman Method as part of her approach to online care. Client-centered therapy focuses on building a trusting therapeutic relationship and supporting clients to explore their own goals and values, which can be helpful for self-esteem, life transitions, and attachment concerns. CBT involves identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and teaching practical skills to reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning, often used for anxiety, depression, and attention-related challenges. The Gottman Method concentrates on communication, patterns of interaction, and rebuilding emotional connection, making it well suited for couples and relationship difficulties.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Shari works with each person to assess needs, preferences, and goals, and then tailors methods and session formats to fit what will be most helpful. This collaborative stance helps ensure that techniques are relevant and personally meaningful.

Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - offer flexibility and convenience. These formats make it easier to schedule sessions around work, family, and other commitments, and to continue care during life transitions or when travel is limited. Licensed professionals can adapt pace, focus, and tools across these modalities to support progress in ways that fit each client’s life.

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