About sharlene

Sharlene H. McClendon is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a heart for helping women heal, grow, and rediscover the strength within themselves. With a unique blend of clinical expertise, personal passion, and faith-integrated care, she offers a safe, supportive space for women to reconnect with who they are—mind, body, and spirit.

Sharlene’s work is grounded in the belief that true healing starts with relationship, especially the one you have with yourself. She helps women navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, and life transitions by fostering self-awareness, building confidence, and offering practical tools for lasting transformation.

For those who desire to integrate faith into their healing, Sharlene offers a Christ-centered, holistic approach that honors both emotional wellness and spiritual growth. Her goal is to help women align their inner lives with their values and purpose, so they can move forward with clarity, courage, and peace.

Sharlene’s impact extends beyond individual therapy. She is also a gifted writer and speaker, sharing her voice in both national and international conversations on mental health and personal growth, from Atlanta to Kenya. Through her speaking and published work, she inspires others to live with intention, wholeness, and hope.

Whether she’s sitting across from a client or standing on a stage, Sharlene’s mission is clear:

To walk alongside women as they uncover their worth, reclaim their voice, and become who they were always meant to be.

 Sharlene H. McClendon is a passionate advocate and recognized leader in the fields of behavioral health and developmental disabilities. As a current Advisory Council member for the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) and a former coalition partner with GUIDE Inc. and CHRIS 180, she works to expand access to resources, foster resilience, and promote inclusion across the community.

Through her collaboration with these organizations, Sharlene has helped drive meaningful change, improving outcomes for individuals navigating complex behavioral health needs and developmental challenges. She’s a sought-after speaker at DBHDD conferences, where she addresses pressing topics such as Co-Occurring Disorders, Trauma, Compassion Fatigue, and Suicide Prevention on college campuses.

Her advocacy also extends to public health. Presenting for the DeKalb and Gwinnett County Boards of Health, Sharlene has led community education initiatives on the intersection of diabetes, depression, and postpartum care, raising awareness and promoting whole-person wellness.

With a deep commitment to empowerment and equity, Sharlene continues to shape a future where every individual is supported, seen, and allowed to thrive.

 Sharlene H. McClendon believes that every individual holds within them the potential for healing, purpose, and lasting growth. She understands that true transformation begins with the relationship you build with yourself, one rooted in compassion, self-awareness, and acceptance. When you reconnect with who you are at your core, you create space for deeper, more authentic relationships with others.

With empathy and insight, Sharlene guides clients on a journey of self-discovery and personal empowerment. Her approach supports individuals from all walks of life in uncovering their inner strength, embracing their unique identity, and stepping into the fullness of who they were meant to be. Through her support, clients move beyond survival and begin to thrive with clarity, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Sharlene H. McClendon is a published author whose words offer hope, healing, and heartfelt guidance. Her contributions have appeared in well-known publications such as Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Women and 101 Daily Devotions to Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire Women, where her stories uplift and resonate with readers seeking encouragement and faith-based wisdom.

In her article for UpJourney, titled “What to Say to Someone Who Is Dying,” Sharlene provides gentle, compassionate guidance for those supporting loved ones through the end-of-life journey—a reflection of her deep empathy and emotional insight.

She also lends her voice to important public health conversations. Her feature in DiaBeaters Magazine, “Diabetes, Mental Health, Assessment Tools, and Advocacy,” explores the critical intersection of diabetes and mental health, the often-overlooked connection between physical and mental health, equipping readers with tools and knowledge to better care for themselves and others.

Through every piece, Sharlene’s writing reflects her mission: to empower, uplift, and walk alongside those navigating life’s most difficult and meaningful moments.