About Sharlene
Identity & Attachment Trauma Therapist in Boulder
Sharlene Vanderblock,
M.A., LPCC
Sharlene (she/her) is a holistic, systems-based mental health therapist specializing in identity development, attachment trauma, complex trauma (cPTSD), and generational trauma. Drawing on her background as a science educator, she explains the brain and body’s response to trauma in ways that are approachable and engaging.
Her experience includes supporting survivors of domestic violence, where she provided trauma-informed, solution-focused, and social-justice-oriented counseling for individuals, groups, and families and served as a parent educator. Sharlene values the therapeutic bond, creating a secure, adaptable environment where clients can explore healing authentically.
When not seeing clients, Sharlene finds joy in reconnecting with her Filipinx American roots through language learning, cooking, art, and gardening. She is a former child athlete and Pacific Crest Trail thru-hiker and a mother of two young biracial daughters, whom she shares with her high school sweetheart and partner of 20+ years.
*All services rendered by Sharlene Vanderblock, M.A., LPCC (Colorado / LPCC.0021789) are under the direct supervision of Josephine Ampaw (Colorado / CSW.09928835).
Bridging Culturally Affirming Care & Professional Training for Holistic Healing
Education & Projects
M.A., Mindfulness-Based Transpersonal Counseling Naropa University, 2024
Focus Areas: Trauma Healing, Cultural Identity, and Liberation Work
Capstone Presentation: Psyche of the Oppressed: Postcolonial Imprints and Practical, Transpersonal Approaches for Liberation – Explored the lasting effects of colonialism on the psyche and presented holistic, transpersonal approaches for reclaiming identity and liberation.
Transpersonal Workshop: Finding Connection Through Symbolism and Reflection – Developed and facilitated an interactive session focused on reconnecting with one’s heritage by using everyday items as symbolic tools for reflection.
Certified Training
Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR Institute | 2024
Additional workshops and trainings attended
IFS & Experiential Approaches
Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Gestalt (Conscious Heart Integration, 2024) – Understanding and integrating different aspects of the self for trauma healing and emotional balance. Training and supervision.
Authentic Movement – Acquired experiential body-centered practices for emotional expression, trauma processing, and self-discovery.
Family & Parenting Support
Family Systems Therapy – Enhanced knowledge of family dynamics, intergenerational trauma, and relational healing.
Child Development & Parenting Education – Developed insights into early childhood development, attachment, and effective parenting strategies.
Couples & Relationship Counseling
Couples Counseling Foundations – Acquired tools in supporting partners in communication, conflict resolution, and deeper connection.
Attachment & Relational Healing – Explored relationship patterns, emotional safety, and secure connections and how it is applied in family therapy and in individual counseling.
Race & Culture-Affirming Therapy
Social Justice & Mental Health – Deepened my understanding in addressing systemic influences on mental health and advocating for equity in therapeutic spaces.
Supporting Immigrant Families – Developed expertise in navigating cultural identity, intergenerational expectations, and the unique challenges of acculturation.
Afrocentric Counseling Approaches – Honoring Black cultural traditions, resilience, and identity in therapy.
AAPI-Inclusive Prenatal & Perinatal Support – Gained insights in offering culturally attuned care for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experiences in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities.
Victims & Abuse Prevention
Colorado Victim Advocacy Training – Received state-wide training for providing compassionate care and resources for survivors of crime and violence.
Domestic Violence Awareness & Intervention – Learned signs and strategies for supporting survivors of intimate partner violence and domestic violence with trauma-informed care.
Recognizing Signs of Elder Abuse – Acquired skills in identifying and working with elder populations who show signs of experienced emotional, financial, and physical harm.
Ethics & Power Dynamics
Right Use of Power – Internalized ethics training workshop focused on the responsible use of power in professional and therapeutic settings.
Memberships
Asian American Psychological Association | 2022-present
Division of Filipinx Americans | 2022-present
Therapy offers a space for growth and self-discovery.
📅 Book a free 15-minute consultation to explore how we can work together.
Providing holistic therapy in Boulder, Colorado, and online across Colorado, supporting individuals, couples, families, and BIPOC communities in strengthening emotional resilience and healing trauma.