Sharon F. Hester, MS, LPC

she/her/hers

teens and adults  ●  anxiety  ●  the queer experience 

MESSAGE SHARON

Hello! Welcome. I am a queer human and therapist in Denver, Colorado. ​The search for a therapist can be a daunting task, and am so 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 LGBTQIA+ community. I love working with and have specific experience with gender, anxiety and worry, self-discovery, overachievers, substance use as well as grief and loss.

Issues we may address together may include, and are not limited to: depression, grief, anxiety, identity exploration, self-worth, work-life boundaries, building a deeper connection with self and others, academic stress, coming out, and/or family conflict. I also provide therapy for parents of LGBTQIA+ teens and adults, and can help parents in navigating their own journey as new or existing members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

You can expect our therapy work together to be rooted in values of compassion, humor, and authenticity. You can also expect a space that is accepting and warm, so you feel comfortable to show up just as you are. Another value I strive to cultivate in my work with folks is empowerment. What this may involve is us working together to connect you with your own inner resources and strengths. You are the expert when it comes to you and what it means to live life in your skin. Together, we will discuss how your life history and identities can be honored, acknowledged and provided space in therapy. Know as well that I am working on what I bring to our therapy work together. This ongoing awareness of my own identities (e.g. queer) and past histories helps me to show up and be present in our work together.

About me
When I am not working or reading about psychology, I enjoy reading about food justice and social issues. Prior to relocating to Colorado, I spent most of my life living near the ocean. The oceanside is my sacred space. Some of my favorite things are gardening, record collecting and listening to music, as well as traveling with my partner and pup. I have two black cats (I firmly believe black cats are good luck!), who occasionally pop on screen during virtual meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions

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When will I hear back from you?

We return inquiry emails within one to two business days, Monday through Friday, holidays excepted. Inquiries received Friday late afternoon or evening as well as inquires received on weekends will be returned on Monday. Please check your junk mail or spam folders if not hearing from us within the time frame previously noted.

Why is Rooted Acorn Counseling Out of Network?

There are many reasons we do not accept insurance. Not contracting with insurance companies allows us freedom as therapists to focus on providing quality services to you. We have the time and resources to be fully focused on each individual. Insurance companies reimburse private practice therapists at a rate that is not sustainable without therapists making choices to overbook their calendars. The latter impacts therapists and the folks choosing to work with them. When therapists are overbooked, they are less effective, less present, and more prone to burnout, which then negatively impacts the quality of care you are ultimately receiving. We know this scenario never serves anyone involved. It sucks! So, we have made the difficult choice to not contract with insurance companies. We do offer a limited number of sliding scale spots to offset this and know this is only a small way we can impact this much larger scale issue.

What is your cancellation policy?

We request at minimum 24 hours advanced notice if you wish to cancel or reschedule your session. For any no show or late cancellation, you will be charged the full session fee. We are aware that life happens and Colorado winters are unpredictable! We are always willing to offer make-up sessions in the case of emergency, illnesses and dangerous driving conditions.

Will I have homework after my sessions?

Homework will not be a requirement of your therapy unless it is helpful to you and your growth. We recognize that for some folks that accountability and tangible objectives are motivating, so if you are thinking this is you, let’s work together to set-up targeted at-home practice. Please know you are empowered to grow and approach therapy in a way that is unique and beneficial to you. Homework will never be something we will require, or insist that you complete as part of your therapy.

Find more answers to questions on our FAQ page!

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