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Cherese Mbila

LPC, 10 years of experience

New to Grow

Virtual
Next available on

About me

I became a therapist because I know what it feels like to carry pain, to feel unseen, and to fight through challenges that others may never fully understand. My journey through survival, healing, and growth has shaped how I show up in the therapy room: real, grounded, and deeply committed to creating safe spaces for others. I work with people who are tired of just “getting by” and want to finally feel whole, free, and in control of their own story. My role isn’t to “fix” you—it’s to walk beside you, help you find your voice, and remind you that you already carry the strength you need to heal.

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

Black / African American

Serves ages

Children (6 to 12)Teenagers (13 to 17)

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

In my practice, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients recognize and shift unhelpful thought patterns that fuel anxiety, trauma responses, and self-doubt. Together, we identify core beliefs, explore the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and build practical coping skills. I tailor CBT techniques to meet each client where they are—whether that means grounding exercises for trauma, reframing anxious thoughts, or developing healthier patterns in relationships.

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.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.