Danielle Sharkey Santa Barbara Therapist

Danielle Sharkey

Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #137134

California-Casual Psychotherapy for young women navigating life’s twists and turns. Life can be chaotic and consuming, therapy with me won’t be. I’ll help you process the painful and celebrate the glimmers. I’ll ask the hard questions but we’ll move at your pace. Therapy isn’t all serious all the time- humor heals, too! 

How Can I Help?

Together, we’ll map out your life and start to connect some dots. I hold space as you get to know yourself better (“why am I the way I am?”), help you process (“I’m aware of how aware I am of my stuff- now what!?”), and encourage you to embrace your whole self. We are complex creatures, and the first step in changing is accepting where we are.   

What is My Approach?

Laid back, exploratory, and collaborative. I’m an active participant in your journey, offering insight, feedback, and direction. I listen to understand and never assume or judge. 

I’m committed to helping you gain insight into how you relate to yourself & others. By becoming more aware of your thoughts & emotions, you’ll better understand your needs & boundaries. In time, you’ll envision the life you want to lead & gain confidence in your ability to create it.

More About Me:

In short, I became a therapist because I’ve been a client. I was afraid of opening “Pandora’s Box” because I thought I couldn’t handle what was in there. I learned that life is full of paradoxes: Looking at the parts of myself I was afraid and ashamed of actually diminished their power instead of fueling it. I learned to work with my stuff instead of letting it work me. I promise to embrace your mess- as mine once was- and go from there.

Fun Fact: Our sessions are dynamic. We move the furniture & sit on the floor. We laugh, cry, burp & fart. I believe emotions are "energy in motion" and are meant to be expressed! 

Additional Profiles: Website, PsychologyToday, Instagram


Who I See: Young Women (13+)

Top Focuses: Anxiety, Self-Image, Life Transitions and Relationships

Office Location(s): Santa Barbara and Online in California