Sharon F. Hester, MS, LPC, LAC

Hello, howdy! I am a queer human and therapist in Denver, Colorado. ​The search for a therapist can be daunting, and I am glad the search has led you here. I am deeply grateful and honored to offer a space for you to heal, grow and move forward courageously in your life.

​In my work at Rooted Acorn Counseling, I focus on supporting and empowering adults and teens who are a part of the queer and trans community. I am passionate about the areas of, and I have specific experience working with, gender and sexuality, personal growth, identity, anxiety and worry, self-discovery, ADHD, substance use, grief and loss. I also offer specific experience working with neurodivergent teens and adults, as well as high achievers and creatives.

Issues we may address together include, and are not limited to: finding direction in life, depression, existential and spiritual questions and concerns, grief, anxiety, trauma, identity exploration, life transitions, work-life boundaries, building a deeper connection with yourself and others, academic stress, coming out, and relationship conflict. I also provide therapy for parents of LGBTQ+ children, including parents of trans and queer teens and adults. Therapy helps parents in navigating their own journey as new or existing members of the LGBTQ+ community.

You can expect our therapy work together to be rooted in values of cultural humility, compassion, humor, and authenticity. Together, we will work to co-create a therapeutic space centering empowerment and autonomy. What this may involve is us working to connect you with your own inner knowing, resources and strengths. You are the expert when it comes to you and what it means to live life in your skin.

You can also expect a space that is accepting and warm, so you feel comfortable to show up just as you are. There will be opportunities inside and outside of our meetings for trying out and finding new ways to approach your life. You will also have opportunities to discuss and explore how your lived experiences and identities can be honored, acknowledged and provided space in therapy. Know as well that I am working on what lived experiences and identities I bring to our therapy work. This ongoing awareness of my lived experiences and own identities helps me to fully show up and be present in our work together.

A little about me

When I am not working or reading about psychology, I enjoy reading about social justice, the science of dreams, and queer and gender studies.

Some of my favorite things are basketball (watching and playing), record collecting, and traveling with my partner and pup. I have two black cats, who think they are aspiring therapy cats. They occasionally make brief appearances during virtual meetings (only on their terms, of course). 

Finally, some fun facts about me:

- The ocean is my sacred space. I am a Coastal Southerner, who has lived in Colorado since 2012.

- I’m leaning into being a beginner at a new hobby, and am learning pottery.

- My Sun/Moon/Rising signs are: Leo sun, Scorpio moon, and Capricorn rising.