Decades ago a client thanked Sharon for her caring approach and remarked, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

About Sharon

Sharon Ellis Joyner, Ph.D. is a Licensed Psychologist in Alpharetta, Georgia. She provides psychotherapy and psychological evaluation for adults, adolescents, children and families. She has been in private practice since 1991 and has worked in the field of mental health since 1979.

During her graduate training in Speech and Language Pathology Sharon realized that her professional interests and personal passion lay in helping others to navigate life challenges and to embark on paths of personal growth. After working for several years with children and families dealing with developmental difficulties and mental health challenges, she entered a doctoral program in Clinical Psychology. During her doctoral studies Sharon focused on helping clients overcome trauma and heal from attachment wounds caused by breakdown or disruption in close relationships.

She specializes in working with emotional trauma and in providing AF-EMDR (Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) in addition to other solution-focused, evidence-based traditional therapy services such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

One of only two people in the metro-Atlanta area trained in Attachment-Focused EMDR, she has found this approach rapid and effective in treating complex trauma, anxiety disorders, disordered eating, and addictions.

Her additional specialities include grief and loss, caregiver issues, career counseling and job transitioning, imposter phenomenon, personal growth, ADHD/ADD in both children and adults, mood disorders, chronic illness, and LGTBQ issues. She is experienced in working with a multicultural sensitivity and focus.

In addition to her private practice, she has worked in the counseling programs of two local universities and in hospital and corporate environments. A respected public speaker, she has addressed local, state, and national audiences on a variety of mental health issues.

Education

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) Meredith College, Raleigh, NC

Master of Science (M.S.) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia

Kind words from around the web…

TESTIMONIALS

There are not enough words to express my deepest admiration for Dr. Sharon Ellis Joyner. I came to her a very broken person at the lowest point of my life. She took her time with me. She was astute enough to know when to step back as well as when to step it up. She helped me to break things down so that they were not so overwhelming. Her style is relaxed yet focused. She gives you her all so that you can resolve your issues and move on with your life. Her loving kindness and deep sense of integrity guide her in the way she works along side of you. She partners with you, lifts you up, and never judges you. She is genuinely caring which is a rare quality to find in most therapists. The time I spent with Dr. Joyner was so very special and life-altering. I am a better person since I’ve worked with and learned from this exceptional professional. Teaming up with her is an extremely wise investment in YOU.

—G_H0612

Dr. Sharon Ellis Joyner: Very professional, caring, compassionate. Dr. Joyner takes the time to listen and then she works along with her client and eventually her clients' family if needed. She works diligently to help her patients work through their issues. Her work with my past trauma was nothing short of miraculous! Never dreamed I would get past that and be able to move on with my life. My anxiety is totally in check. Such a weight off my shoulders. One of the many things I really like about her is that she does not hang onto you once your issue has been resolved. Worth every penny!!!

—R.N.L

For every major life event I have experienced in my life, I've sought treatment (divorce, death, major health issues, etc). I've been treated by several Psychologist "across the South". To me, Dr. Sharon Ellis-Joyner deserves a Gold Star rating from the American Psychological Asoc. She CARES about her patient. My experience with her is one of Dr/patient partnership. You will never feel like she is "watching the clock" or simply checking a box if you get what I'm saying. She in my mind is exceptional in her field. I give her the highest rating possible.

—Aboyne

From a guy's perspective - this doctor helps you take care of business and then sends you on your way once you can take care of it yourself. She has the integrity not to drag it out. I like that.

I wasted so much time trying to save money by only seeing people on my insurance panel. In the long run - I lost money AND precious time I can never get back. It is worth coming to see Dr. Joyner when you get jammed up. She is kind, compassionate, and respectful. Her great sense of humor makes it much easier to deal with things that make you uncomfortable. We've all got issues. This Doc works with you to identify them, process them, and wrap them up. When she cuts you loose you will - without a doubt - be able to handle things on your own. Two thumbs up! She deserves ten stars!

—Michael S.

Dr. Joyner saved my life. It's that simple. She is extraordinarily talented and cares deeply. I have sent a number of referrals to her over the years, and the feedback I've gotten has only reinforced my personal experience with her.

Ann K.

Dr. Sharon Ellis Joyner is a jewel to my family. What was once an uneasy situation in our home is now manageable thanks to Dr. Joyner. She is understanding and very competent. She performed hours of therapy and research for solutions to our daily dilemmas. We do not know where we would be without her guidance. We would highly recommend her to anyone who needs help.

—Tyler H.

Saved my life—Dr Joyner helped me with so much ten years ago and I am still practicing her advice.

—S. A.