Cherrise Elijah
(she/her)
Mental health is more than just managing symptoms. It’s about fostering overall well-being, inner peace, and resilience. I have ten years of practice using a holistic approach that integrates mind, body, and spirit, offering you personalized care that honors your unique experiences, culture, and values. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health services that empower individuals to achieve emotional well-being and personal growth. Through a client-centered approach, I create a safe, supportive environment where each person is treated with respect, empathy, and understanding. My goal is to help individuals and families overcome life’s challenges, foster resilience, and promote long-lasting mental health and wellness.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In the first session, we will focus on getting to know each other and discussing what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask questions about your concerns, goals, and history, and we’ll begin identifying what you’d like to work toward. You can expect a supportive, collaborative, and confidential space where we set a plan for future sessions.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I bring a strong ability to build genuine rapport with clients by creating a therapeutic environment grounded in empathy, respect, and collaboration. Drawing from person-centered therapy, I prioritize clients’ lived experiences and foster a safe, nonjudgmental space where they feel heard and valued. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help clients identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns, while using mindfulness-based interventions to support emotional regulation, self-awareness, and present-moment focus. Through solution-focused techniques, I help clients recognize their strengths, clarify goals, and develop practical strategies for change. My integrative approach allows me to tailor interventions to each client’s needs, strengthening the therapeutic alliance and supporting meaningful, sustainable progress.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
The client best suited for my practice is someone open to self-reflection and motivated to make positive changes in their life. I work best with individuals who are willing to engage collaboratively in therapy and practice new skills outside of sessions. Clients who value growth, insight, and practical strategies tend to benefit most from my approach.
Specialties
Top specialties
ADHD
Anxiety
Depression
Other specialties
Life Transitions
Older Adults
Spirituality
I identify as
Black / African American
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Licensed in
California
Accepts
Aetna
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. We work together to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical coping strategies. CBT is goal-oriented and skills-based, supporting clients in making meaningful, lasting changes in their daily lives.
Motivational Interviewing
In my practice, I use Motivational Interviewing to help clients explore and resolve ambivalence about change in a supportive, nonjudgmental way. I focus on strengthening clients’ own motivation by eliciting their values, goals, and reasons for change. This collaborative approach empowers clients to make changes that align with what matters most to them.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
In my practice, I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients build skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. I support clients in balancing acceptance and change while developing practical tools to manage intense emotions. DBT is used to promote stability, resilience, and healthier relationships.
Psychoeducation
In my practice, I use psychoeducation to help clients better understand their mental health, symptoms, and treatment process. I provide clear, accessible information that empowers clients to make informed decisions and build insight into their experiences. Psychoeducation supports skill development, reduces stigma, and enhances collaboration in therapy.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
In my practice, I use Brief Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients identify strengths, resources, and past successes that can support change. We focus on clear, achievable goals and practical steps rather than on problems alone. This approach promotes efficiency, hope, and forward-focused progress.
8 ratings with written reviews
May 21, 2026
She is easy going , she let's me get out all what I'm feeling . Her breathing exercises are helpful . Reaching my goals is not so bad .
Verified client, age 55-64
May 8, 2026
My first session with Cherrise was wonderful. It felt easy to express what I’m looking for in therapy, and she created a warm, welcoming space from the start. We explored in detail how our sessions will move forward, and her approach felt very empowering. I truly felt understood and seen while sharing my experiences.
Verified client, age 25-34
April 22, 2026
From the very beginning I felt like I could be open and that she was really listening. Cherrise, was very knowledgeable and helpful, she made me feel comfortable . She cared.