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Brenda Sharp

Ph.D.

Portrait of a smiling therapist at Total Life with light skin and shoulder-length white hair, wearing glasses and a dark-colored blouse. She is set against a black background, conveying a professional and approachable presence.
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Specialties

Grief and Loss Trauma

Brenda Sharp, Ph.D is a Psychologist who graduated from Colorado State University in 1977. As a seasoned clinician, Brenda has 48 years of experience in the field and is licensed in Colorado, and all other states eligible in PSYPACT.

Learn more about Brenda

As an older adult myself, my own experience with aging has given me an up close and personal look at many of the challenges that come with it. As a result, while I have not walked on exactly the same path as my older clients, I experience a greater overlap now than there would have been with my younger self.
I feel that older adults have had a very broad range of life lessons and life experiences. Over the years they have usually gained a lot of understanding about people and the world, sometimes the hard way. I think they are more capable of growing in “wisdom”. There might be circumstances in their lives which put up roadblocks along this path. But by collaborating together to problem solve and using effective methods to improve coping with difficult feelings, problematic thinking, relationships or situations they might arrive at a more satisfying place. When we are able to work together to reduce and work through conflict, sadness or anxiety, I am gratified. I put my heart and mind into doing therapy so I care about what happens to the people with whom I work. In addition, I often learn a great deal from my older clients.

Being able to talk to a therapist from the comfort and privacy of your own home has a number of advantages over leaving home and traveling to a therapist’s office: its wonderful to avoid having to drive in the snow or through traffic; many prefer the privacy and the comfort the home setting affords; and no-one minds saving the time when you eliminate the need to go out. Many older people can no longer drive, or have health challenges such as COPD, Cardiac Problems, Macular Degeneration or Diabetes that often make mobility more difficult. While it’s not a good fit for everyone, all of these factors as well as having a greater selection of therapists from which to choose so a good fit can be achieved, are likely responsible for the effectiveness of online therapy with older adults.

 Usually, I start out by asking what you have come in to see me about and what you would like to get out of the counseling? Or, “How would your life be different if the problem you are experiencing was resolved?” I want to know what you need from me. I will want to find out all I can about the problem or the situation, and get to know you and what you are experiencing. I want to really understand what you are going through and to work as a team to help you get to a better place.

Therapy is an interactive process. You are the expert on YOU. You know more about you than anyone else, and I need your help throughout therapy, giving me feedback and asking me questions whenever they come up. So it’s good to approach your first session knowing that therapy is a collaboration, and that I don’t for one moment imagine that I have all the answers.
* Being in therapy is no longer stigmatized as something to be ashamed of. At it’s best it can often be a challenging, but productive growth experience that could influence the rest of your life in a positive way. Most often at it’s worst, you might not have been helped. You might benefit from reassessing your situation and either try working with a different therapist or figuring out if you in fact needed something else.

Therapists Who Understand Aging

Have Hope After Three Sessions

After three sessions a majority of clients have hope that their situation is improving.

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This image depicts a simplified illustration of an older woman with gray hair and glasses, wearing a coral-colored top. She is holding a laptop in one hand, which displays the "Total Life" logo on the screen. With her other hand, she is pointing toward the laptop. The setting includes a desk with a coffee cup, a stack of books, and a small plant, suggesting a comfortable work or learning environment. The overall design is lighthearted and engaging, with a focus on technology and accessibility for seniors.
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Reach out to us through our website or by phone. We’ll verify your Medicare coverage to see if you qualify for free therapy sessions.

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After discussing your needs, we recommend one of our experienced therapists and schedule your first appointment.

This image features an illustrated older woman with gray hair, wearing a coral-colored top with a white collar, sitting at a desk in front of a laptop. She is smiling and appears to be engaged in a virtual conversation. A thought bubble next to her shows a video call screen with a male doctor or professional, wearing a white coat, indicating that she is in a telehealth or online consultation session. The overall scene conveys a sense of ease and comfort with using technology for health-related or professional consultations.
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On the scheduled date of your session, your therapist will contact you via phone or video call to begin working on resolving your issues and improving your well-being.

Therapists Who Understand Aging

See Change After Six Sessions

After six sessions a majority of clients have reflected that actual change occured.

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