Hi, I’m Dr. Sharon Arbel
Hi there, I’m a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Founder of Focus Forward, a program designed to help children, teens, and adults strengthen the executive functioning skills that shape success in school, work, and life.

Early on
Focus Forward grew out of my years of working with families, students, and professionals who were bright, capable, and motivated but still struggling to stay organized, manage time, follow through, or keep up with daily demands. Through my work in therapy and testing, I saw firsthand how often these challenges were misinterpreted as laziness or lack of effort when in reality, they stemmed from differences in how the brain organizes, plans, and processes information.
My Background
My background blends both science and empathy. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCLA, followed by my Master’s and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology. Before opening my private practice, I spent years in Applied Behavior Analysis, supporting families whose children faced significant behavioral and learning challenges. As a Clinical Director, I oversaw teams of therapists and developed behavior support programs that helped families find practical solutions and hope.
I’ve also trained and supervised graduate students and interns, taught at the master’s and doctoral levels, and created community programs and workshops to support families, educators, and mental-health professionals.
Finding Balance
These experiences collectively led me to create Focus Forward—a bridge between psychology, coaching, and real-world skill-building. This program translates evidence-based psychological principles into everyday strategies for focus, organization, motivation, and emotional regulation. Whether you’re a student struggling with deadlines or an adult juggling a demanding career and family life, our goal is to help you move from feeling scattered to empowered—to focus forward toward your goals with confidence and clarity.

