About Brian Sharp
Focus areas
Adult Psychotherapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
LGBTQ+ Counseling
Anxiety
Couples Therapy
Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
Codependency
Depression
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Eclectic
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Gottman Method
Attachment-based
Gestalt
Identity
Gender
MaleSexuality
GayEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Brian Sharp
Many of my clients come to me after feeling frustrated with therapy that offered empathy—but no real solutions. If you’re looking for more than just a sounding board, you’re in the right place. My goal is for you to leave each session with practical strategies you can actually use to feel better and live better.
With over 13 years of experience in mental health and addiction counseling, I’ve worked across private practice, hospitals, community health, and managed care settings. I support clients navigating a wide range of concerns—including depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, suicidal ideation, self-injurious behaviors, codependency, and anger management.
I bring particular passion and expertise in working with the LGBTQ+ community, offering individual, couples, and group therapy in a space that is collaborative, affirming, and growth-oriented. My approach is warm, compassionate, humorous (therapy shouldn't have to always feel like such a chore and can even be fun!) and direct—past clients have described me as the “no nonsense therapist” (their words!).
I use an eclectic approach, incorporating evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and the Gottman Method for couples counseling. I’ve completed additional training with the Beck Institute, the Gottman Institute (Level 2), and the Albert Ellis Institute to deepen my work in these modalities.
Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just ready for something different, I’m here to help you challenge the “stinkin’ thinkin’” that holds you back—and to build the insight and tools you need to make lasting change.
Let’s get to work—together.
What should a new client know about working with you?
I don’t believe therapy should be a passive experience where you just talk and leave unchanged. That’s why I tailor every session to your unique story, blending honest conversations about your struggles with clear, practical psychoeducation—and yes, a healthy dose of humor. Because real growth happens when you feel seen, understood, and equipped with tools that actually work.
Whether you’re wrestling with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or questions about your identity, we’ll dig deep to identify the “stinkin’ thinkin’” patterns that keep you stuck. But this isn’t just about understanding—it’s about doing. I’ll break down how your mind and emotions operate in a way that makes sense, giving you actionable strategies to regain control and build resilience.
Humor isn’t just a lightener; it’s a connector and a catalyst for insight. Life can be hard, and laughter helps us approach pain with courage and perspective. My approach creates a safe, affirming space where you can explore tough topics without feeling overwhelmed or alone.
This isn’t therapy as usual. Many clients tell me I’m the first therapist who truly helped them—not just by listening, but by showing them how to make lasting change. If you want therapy that moves beyond talk, where you leave each session feeling empowered and ready to face life’s challenges, let’s get to work—together.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
As an REBT-oriented therapist trained in the Gottman Method, I approach therapy as a supportive, practical, and active process. I offer warmth and compassion while also providing clear direction and respectfully challenging thoughts, behaviors, and relationship patterns that keep you stuck. My goal is to help you create meaningful, lasting change—not simply feel better temporarily.
In REBT, we explore how events, beliefs, emotions, and behaviors influence one another. Together, we will identify rigid or unhelpful beliefs—such as “I must be perfect,” “People must treat me fairly,” or “I can’t tolerate this”—and evaluate whether they are realistic, useful, and aligned with your values. I will actively challenge these beliefs and help you develop more flexible, self-accepting ways of thinking and behaving. Sessions may include direct feedback, skill-building, behavioral exercises, and practice between sessions.
For couples, I use the Gottman Method to explore communication, emotional connection, conflict patterns, trust, friendship, and shared meaning. We will identify both strengths and behaviors that undermine the relationship, such as criticism, defensiveness, contempt, withdrawal, or recurring unresolved conflict. I may interrupt unproductive interactions, slow conversations down, and guide you toward clearer communication, accountability, repair, and connection.
Therapy may be challenging at times. I will address avoidance, blame, excuses, and behaviors that conflict with your goals while respecting your experiences and perspective. Therapy is not about assigning fault; it is about increasing awareness, responsibility, choice, and connection.
I also use humor intentionally. When appropriate, humor can reduce shame, create perspective, and remind us that struggling with common human problems does not make you defective. I will not use humor to minimize your pain, but may help you gently laugh at rigid expectations or familiar relationship patterns.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
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It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
More information on payments and coverage
Appointment times are requests for a reservation. Appointment Requests are not fully reserved until insurance verification is completed, patient forms are submitted and we confirm the time availability.
We use Headway to verify patients' insurance information and collect copay fees but conduct sessions on a separate platform. When a request is received, we immediately notify you via the email provided in the referral to complete your Headway registration and patient forms. These forms must be completed within 24 hours from the time you book the appointment in Zocdoc, or your booking in Zocdoc will be cancelled.
After your appointment is confirmed with our staff, you will receive a telehealth link to join via video on the day and time of your confirmed appointment. ZocDoc is only used for booking purposes.
To fully reserve and avoid losing your requested appointment time, please be sure to regularly check your email for updates from Brian Sharp Counseling LLC.
Education and background
Practice names
Board certifications
- National Board for Certified Counselors
Education and training
- Southern Methodist University, Master's in Counseling
- University of North Texas, Bachelor's in Psychology
- Gottman Institute, Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
- Albert Ellis Institute Primary Practicum in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT)
- Beck Community Initiative, CBT for Depression
NPI number
1114264587
How soon can I make an appointment with Brian Sharp?
Generally, Brian Sharp has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Brian Sharp's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Brian Sharp accepting new patients?
Brian Sharp generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Brian Sharp's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Brian Sharp accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Brian Sharp is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Brian Sharp online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Brian Sharp using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Brian Sharp work with?
Brian Sharp works with Brian Sharp Counseling LLC.
Which board certifications does Brian Sharp have?
Brian Sharp is certified by National Board for Certified Counselors.
What are common reasons for patients to see Brian Sharp?
Brian Sharp frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Brian Sharp on their profile.
What languages does Brian Sharp speak?
Brian Sharp speaks English.