About Kim Sharp
About Kim Sharp MFT
Why Did I Decide To Become A Psychotherapist?
At my core, I ultimately want people here on Earth to be happy and to feel at peace—and I want them to be able to share that sense of peace and contentment with others. That’s why I became a therapist and dedicated my life to helping others heal and transform their lives.
In both my professional and personal life, I have observed that the adage “hurt people, hurt people” is often very true. However, when we can let go of these hurts—when we are given the ability to process and release our pain—we feel less wounded and, therefore, less likely to continue the cycle by hurting others. As a psychotherapist, I get to help people do just that.
Even before I became a psychotherapist, I was always honored to listen to and be present for others. I also saw how comforting it was for those in need to be seen, heard, and validated, especially when it involved something important that weighed on their hearts or minds.
My Areas Of Expertise Come From A Personal Place
I learned long ago that I was a highly sensitive person (HSP) and that life and the cosmos look a lot different to me than they do to others. So I’ve dedicated part of my work to helping other HSPs who struggle to harmonize their unique qualities (or superpowers, if you prefer) with the extraordinary, yet challenging world we live in.
Anxiety, another health concern I address, can be a disabling disorder that gets in the way of people understanding what they want and what they are capable of achieving. For many HSPs, fear, self-doubt, and worry are huge problems, which is part of the reason why I find anxiety a compelling area of treatment.
I’ve also been long inspired to help people navigate mystical and ineffable experiences that fundamentally changed their life perspectives. Sometimes, these transpersonal and spiritually transformative experiences can be isolating. That’s why I provide a space where people can share, process, and integrate their stories into their lives instead of hiding what they went through.
And as a person of faith myself, I was inspired to pursue Christian psychotherapy/counseling because I wanted people to feel comfortable bringing their spiritual practice into the healing process. I believe there’s great power in faith, no matter what spiritual or religious path one travels.
One of my other specialties is working with people who have been traumatized by religion in one way or another. I understand people’s frustration, uncertainty, and pain when it comes to religion so I like to honor that as well. Whether someone’s upset with their religious upbringing, resentful toward the clergy, or angry with God or their version of a higher power, people need and deserve to have a place to share and process their feelings safely.
My Philosophy And How I Approach The Healing Process
Like many people, I’m full of paradoxes and contradictions. On the one hand, I’m super practical and like to use therapeutic interventions and alternative ways of being to help clients find relief quickly. On the other hand, I know that certain mindsets, problematic or perplexing behaviors, and deeper emotional wounds can take time to change. That’s why I make sure to provide clients with strategies for short-term relief while we are doing the deeper work of healing core issues.
I’m also very client-centered and enjoy working with individuals through a mind-body-spirit perspective that takes into account the whole person. And because I believe each individual is, ultimately, the only true expert on themselves, I also offer a collaborative and creative approach to counseling that puts the client in control of the healing process.
When I say client-centered and collaborative, it means that I love working with people who take an active role in their treatment. When I say creative, it means I enjoy combining all of the knowledge that the client and I possess in order to create positive change together.
What Makes Me Different From Other Therapists In San Pedro, CA?
I do! I make my practice unique. I know that may sound simplistic, but it’s true. Each one of us, client and therapist alike, has a completely unique story that informs how we think, feel, and interact with the world around us.
For instance, as a highly sensitive person myself, I have a unique understanding of the challenges and opportunities HSPs face. And because of that shared experience, I have a proven track record of helping this population. So I know the methods I use work.
Like many spiritually inclined individuals, I have reflected deeply on what I believe, questioned why I believe it, and wrestled with my own thoughts and feelings about God and a Higher Power. Therefore, I can relate pretty well to those who struggle with negative or traumatic religious/spiritual experiences.
As someone who has lived through and had to process several spiritually transformative experiences, I have a reverence for and relatability to those who share a similar story.
And lastly, as with many folks, I have seen my share of adversity. I’ve had to process trauma, work through numerous anxiety-related issues, and rely on many practical coping strategies to effectively re-wire my brain and heal. So I feel very equipped to support people who struggle with anxiety and trauma.
A Little About Who I Am As A Person
I feel like I have a profound interest in a variety of things that informs my approach to counseling. For instance, I worked in finance for 10+ years and have a degree in economics, giving me insight into corporate life and the stressful, competitive world of business. I have a fascination with theology and spirituality that is rivaled only by my love for science. And I’m a musician, having studied and played music since my middle school years.
Even the modalities I use to treat my clients vary widely—from the fairly traditional Dialectical Behavior Therapy to the more cutting-edge, eclectic forms of Energy Psychology.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my loving husband and family—and of course my Shih Tzu, Sophie. I enjoy sailing, going on walks, dancing, singing, and having deep conversations with close friends. And I like reading, listening to podcasts, and public speaking. In fact, I’m an active member of two Toastmaster clubs and have earned the designation of Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM).
I’m not going to lie though—I love vegging out and watching comedies and compelling movies and TV shows just like anyone else.
At my core, I care for people immensely and strive to be a peacemaker, taking great joy in seeing two people get along. I laugh easily and have been told that I’m silly, funny, and easy to confide in. At the same time, I love contemplating the deeper things in life because there is just so much to learn and appreciate in this world. And that is what I want to help my clients experience.
I want to help people navigate this exciting, uncertain world with courage and work with them to instill a sense of curiosity that will reveal their inherent strength, wisdom, and potential for all things good.
Kim Sharp obtained her M.A. in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Somatic Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. After receiving her B.A. in Economics from San Francisco State University, Kim attended the Claremont School of Theology where she took graduate-level coursework in Spiritual Care & Counseling.
Over the years, Kim Sharp has completed advanced training in multiple fields: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) through TIC (https://www.ticllc.org/); DBT Skills Training through Behavioral Tech, Certified Level I Sensorimotor Psychotherapist (https://sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org/); Comprehensive Energy Psychology through the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology (ACEP https://www.energypsych.org/); Energy Psychology Training & Ongoing Case Consultation with Stephanie Elderinghoff, MFT, DCEP; and Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) through EFT Universe and ACEP.
As an ACMHP, Kim has also completed her training as an ACISTE Certified Mental Health Professional (https://aciste.org/). Along with her other training and background, this helps Kim effectively support others professionally in integrating challenging or ineffable spiritual experiences.