Shari Franco-Fishe

Here’s a professional yet heartfelt statement that reflects your personality, passion, and belief that counseling is your calling in life. My Counseling Philosophy I believe counseling is more than a profession; it is my calling in life. Even growing up, I was the “Dear Abby” among my friends, someone they could turn to for guidance, a listening ear, and support without judgment. I have always had a passion for helping others navigate life's challenges and discover their own strength and resilience. My personal experiences have deepened my empathy and understanding, reinforcing my desire to create a safe, supportive space where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to make meaningful changes. Being a counselor allows me to combine my natural inclination to help others with my professional knowledge and skills, and I feel privileged to walk alongside my clients as they work toward healing, growth, and a more fulfilling life.

One thing I want everyone to know about counseling is that we all need support at times in our lives. Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength, selfawareness, and a willingness to grow. Life can be challenging, and none of us has to navigate it alone. Counseling provides a safe space to process experiences, gain perspective, develop healthy coping skills, and become the best version of ourselves. You don't have to wait until you're struggling to benefit from therapy; sometimes, having someone who listens without judgment is exactly what we all need.

Here’s a warm, professional explanation that helps clients understand what to expect while reassuring them that building a therapeutic relationship takes time. What to Expect During Your First Sessions Your first counseling session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another. You can expect me to ask a lot of questions about your background, experiences, current concerns, and what brings you to therapy. I know this can sometimes feel overwhelming, but this information helps me better understand you and how I can best support your needs. I encourage new clients to give therapy at least three sessions before deciding if it is the right fit. The first session is primarily about gathering information, the second focuses on refining your treatment plan and establishing goals, and by the third session, we can begin diving deeper into the therapeutic work. Building trust and feeling comfortable takes time, and I want you to feel safe, heard, and supported throughout the process. Remember, therapy is a collaborative journey, and your voice, comfort, and goals matter every step of the way.

My Personalized Approach to Counseling I believe counseling is never a one-size-fits-all approach. Every individual brings a unique story, life experiences, strengths, and challenges into therapy, and I tailor treatment to meet each client's specific needs and goals. I meet my clients where they are, providing a compassionate, judgmentfree environment where they feel safe to be themselves and explore their experiences. Drawing from my clinical knowledge, personal experiences, and passion for helping others, I incorporate evidencebased approaches, including CBT, DBT, clientcentered, and solutionfocused therapy, along with bibliotherapy when appropriate, to help clients develop practical coping skills and continue making progress outside of sessions. My areas of specialization include women's issues, trauma, military and first responder trauma, mood disorders, personality disorders, and psychotic disorders, while also supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, loss, and other mental health concerns. I consider each client's unique circumstances, readiness for change, personal values, and treatment goals when determining the best therapeutic approach. My goal is to build a trusting therapeutic relationship where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered to take an active role in their healing. I believe counseling is my calling, and I am committed to walking alongside each client as they build resilience, gain insight, and work toward meaningful, lasting change.