Sharmen Rutherford, LPC-MHSP, LPC
Compassionate counselor for life transitions
- Stress and anxiety
- Addictions and trauma
- Eating and mood
About Sharmen Rutherford
Sharmen Rutherford brings 16 years of clinical experience supporting people through challenging and confusing seasons of life. She approaches therapy with a focus on offering strength, hope, encouragement, and practical tools to help clients move toward a more satisfying future.
Rutherford holds licensure as an LPC-MHSP and as an LPC. LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor, and LPC-MHSP indicates qualification to provide mental health services - both reflect formal training and experience in counseling.
Across her career she has worked with clients facing addictions and co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, eating-related concerns, trauma and PTSD, self-harm, school-related pressures, and grief. She also addresses a broad range of relationship and life challenges, including stress, anger, self-esteem, career transitions, and coping with change.
Her clinical work draws on evidence-informed approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and mindfulness-based strategies, allowing treatment to be tailored to each person’s needs. Rutherford emphasizes building a collaborative therapeutic relationship so clients feel supported while learning skills that fit their goals and values. She looks forward to connecting with clients and helping them move toward their best life.
Rutherford holds licensure as an LPC-MHSP and as an LPC. LPC stands for Licensed Professional Counselor, and LPC-MHSP indicates qualification to provide mental health services - both reflect formal training and experience in counseling.
Across her career she has worked with clients facing addictions and co-occurring disorders, anxiety, depression, eating-related concerns, trauma and PTSD, self-harm, school-related pressures, and grief. She also addresses a broad range of relationship and life challenges, including stress, anger, self-esteem, career transitions, and coping with change.
Her clinical work draws on evidence-informed approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and mindfulness-based strategies, allowing treatment to be tailored to each person’s needs. Rutherford emphasizes building a collaborative therapeutic relationship so clients feel supported while learning skills that fit their goals and values. She looks forward to connecting with clients and helping them move toward their best life.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
LGBTRelationship issuesGriefSleeping disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
Attachment issuesBody imageCodependencyCommitment issuesControl issuesDissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Sharmen Rutherford have?
Sharmen Rutherford has 16 years of experience.
Is Sharmen Rutherford a licensed therapist?
Yes, she holds these credentials: LPC-MHSP, LPC. License details: TN LPC-MHSP 6766, AL LPC 4335.
In which languages does Sharmen Rutherford provide therapy?
Sharmen Rutherford provides therapy in English.
Where is Sharmen Rutherford located?
Sharmen Rutherford is located in Alabama.
How can I work with Sharmen Rutherford as my therapist?
You can work with Sharmen Rutherford through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Sharmen Rutherford work with international clients?
Sharmen Rutherford does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Sharmen Rutherford 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, just click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Just 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
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - ACT helps people clarify their values and take committed action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present. It is often useful for stress, anxiety, and situations that involve wanting a more meaningful life despite ongoing challenges.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - CBT focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. It is commonly used for anxiety, depression, eating-related concerns, and many everyday coping problems because it teaches practical skills for changing thoughts and actions.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy - DBT emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. It can be especially helpful for intense emotions, relationship difficulties, and problems related to self-harm or impulsive behavior.
Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Rutherford works collaboratively with clients to select and adapt methods based on individual goals, needs, and preferences so therapy remains a good fit.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can occur by video call or phone, and some work can continue through live chat or text-based messaging. These options help make therapy more accessible around work, family, and geographic constraints while allowing licensed professionals and therapists to provide ongoing support and skill building.
Ready to start therapy with Sharmen Rutherford?
Take the first step toward a better you.