Cherese Mbila
LPC, 10 years of experience
About me
Healing begins when you feel seen, safe, and free to show up exactly as you are. My work is rooted in creating that kind of space, one where your story is honored, your emotions are welcome, and your growth unfolds without judgment. I blend mindfulness, somatic awareness, and acceptance-based practices with an intuitive, heart-centered approach that helps you reconnect to your own strength, spirit, and wisdom. I hold every session with empathy and compassion, but also with realness. I believe in truth-telling that heals, the kind that may not always be easy to hear but always comes from love and respect for who you are becoming. Together, we explore not only why patterns exist but how to shift them in the body and in daily life. Our work invites peace back into your nervous system and power back into your choices. I walk beside those who are ready to stop surviving and begin living in alignment with their wholeness. You do not need to be fixed. You need to be met, witnessed, and reminded of the power that has always been yours. In this space, healing is sacred, personal, and deeply human.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
That first session is about you having room to breathe. We will slow down, talk about what brought you here, and figure out together what you need most right now. There is no pressure to spill everything at once. You get to set the pace. I will ask questions to get to know you, and I will share a bit about how I work so you feel comfortable with the process. My hope is that you leave our first session feeling lighter, seen, and reassured that you have found a space where healing and growth are possible.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What makes me unique as a therapist is the way I blend professional expertise with lived resilience. I have worked extensively with individuals navigating trauma, domestic violence, sexual assault, incarceration, and complex grief, which has given me both skill and compassion for the work I do. Clients often describe me as grounded, direct, and deeply attuned. I do not just listen. I meet people where they are and help them move forward at their own pace. My therapeutic approach is strength based and relational. I focus on creating safety first and then layering in evidence based practices such as CBT, ACT, and trauma informed care. I am also committed to cultural sensitivity and honoring the whole person in mind, body, and spirit. My greatest strength is my ability to hold space for pain without judgment while also helping clients build practical tools that restore hope, confidence, and a sense of control. I believe trust is earned and never assumed. I work hard to build a foundation where clients feel seen, respected, and empowered. That balance of empathy, authenticity, and clinical skill is what makes me effective in supporting healing and long term growth.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
The clients I connect with most are survivors of trauma, toxic relationships, childhood wounds, or heavy seasons of life who are ready to do the hard but rewarding work of reclaiming themselves. Many of my clients are high-achieving on the outside but still wrestling with anxiety, self-doubt, or cycles they cannot seem to break. Others come to me in the thick of grief, heartbreak, or family conflict, unsure of where to even begin. What they all have in common is a deep desire for change and a willingness to show up honestly, even when it feels messy. If that sounds like you, know that you do not have to carry it all alone anymore.
Specialties
Top specialties
I identify as
Serves ages
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice, I take an intuitive and eclectic approach that blends mindfulness, somatic awareness, and acceptance-based practices to support real and lasting change. Healing is not only about understanding your patterns but about learning new ways to move, breathe, think, and choose that honor your highest self. Together, we slow down, tune in, and work through the body as much as the mind. I help clients reconnect with their inner wisdom, strengthen emotional regulation, and take empowered action that aligns with their values and spirit. Every session becomes a space for truth, grace, and growth rooted in compassion, curiosity, and the belief that healing is both sacred and possible.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I use mindfulness-based therapy to help clients increase awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and body cues in the present moment without judgment. In practice, this looks like integrating grounding exercises, guided meditations, and mindful breathing into sessions so clients can better regulate stress, reduce anxiety, and feel more connected to themselves. I have found this approach especially supportive for clients working through trauma, PTSD, and anxiety, as it creates space for healing while building practical coping skills.