With both sadness and disbelief that we are memorializing our friend and loved one, Sharon who passed away suddenly on May 28th.
Sharon was a valued colleague, beloved counselor, and beautiful person. This is uncharted territory for all of us at Ty and Associates, clinicians and clients alike, but I want you to know that we are here to support you in any way that we can.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if there is anything we can do for you. Should you need counseling services in the future, we are happy to provide referrals for you. Scheduling Our goal always has been and continues to be making sure our clients find clinicians with whom they feel safe, comfortable, and valued.
Sharon Sterling-Elhage is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor/Supervisor. She attended The College of Wooster as an undergrad where she graduated with honors both in her field of study and in her sport, swimming. She then went on to continue her educational pursuits at Walsh College. She received her Masters in Counseling and Psychotherapy and obtained a teaching certificate for grades 7-12. Sharon has worked in the counseling profession for over 20 years and she was a High School English teacher for 10 years.
Sharon began her counseling career at a community mental health center in Dover, Ohio. Because of this she was fortunate enough to be able to work with a diverse group of people who were dealing with a broad range of mental health issues. She has worked with brave individuals and families who face schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anxiety, phobias, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, sexual and physical abuse, and she had the privilege too, of working closely with a group home for troubled boys, most of which were court ordered. During her time in Dover it became clear that kids were very comfortable with her. Children of all ages and difficulties became her focus despite the fact that she continued and continues to work and loves working with adults.
In the last several years, Sharon has been working in private practice. She has experience and education in areas such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder and fears, working with LGBT individuals, ADD and ADHD, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder, low self esteem, Depression, Complicated Grief, and life changes in general.
Sharon works with a partner who she claims is a better counselor than she will ever be. This partner is Willow, a two year old Golden Retriever. Sharon claims that there is a goodness, compassion, and strength in all people. Willow is good at pulling out the best in people. Willow is not only a calming and happy force in Sharon’s life but also in the lives of everyone she meets. Sharon has witnessed the restorative effects Willow has had on all of her clients. Even on a young boy who was very scared of dogs.
Finally, Sharon believes that counseling is one of the most humbling of professions. She states, “It is an honor that people allow me to be involved in their journey while they pursue happiness, inner peace, and overall mental well being. I get to witness courage, strength, healing, and hope with every individual.”
Info on memorial:
The Celebration of Life has been moved to 2021 the date is still to be set.
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Sharing memories and her impact
Sharon was working on writing letters “ from Willow” to children and members of churches. These letters are going to be put into a book that we will have the book available in the office.
We are collecting memories to be shared in at her memorial and in our future plans Paws for Sharon to memorialize her life’s work. If you would like to share your memories please use the form below. You will have the option to share anonymously.