Licensed to practice in North Carolina and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Coping Skills, Depression, Domestic Violence and 10 more.
(she/her)
New to Grow
My name is Cheryl Velasquez, MSW, LCSW, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion, respect, and evidence-based care. I believe every person has a unique story, and my goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. Therapy is not about being "fixed." It is about discovering your strengths, building resilience, developing healthy coping strategies, and creating meaningful, lasting change. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and individualized. I draw from several evidence-based treatment modalities, including: I believe that healing happens through genuine connection, curiosity, and compassion. Together, we will identify your goals, explore barriers that may be preventing you from living the life you want, and develop practical tools to help you move forward with confidence. Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy spending time with my cats, taking walks, and being outdoors. These simple moments help me stay grounded and remind me of the importance of balance, mindfulness, and self-care—principles I also encourage my clients to explore in their own lives. Whether you are beginning therapy for the first time or returning after a break, I recognize that asking for help can feel overwhelming. I consider it a privilege to walk alongside you in your journey toward healing, growth, and wellness. I look forward to working with you.
Starting therapy can bring up many emotions, including hope, uncertainty, and even a little nervousness. These feelings are completely normal. My goal is to help you feel comfortable, respected, and supported from the moment we begin working together. Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin building a trusting therapeutic relationship. We will spend time discussing what has brought you to therapy, your current concerns, and what you hope to gain from treatment. You are welcome to share at your own pace—there is no expectation that you tell your entire story during our first meeting. As part of the initial assessment, we may complete a few brief questionnaires or screening tools. These help me better understand your symptoms, strengths, and areas where you may benefit from additional support. Depending on your needs, we may discuss your emotional well-being, medical and mental health history, relationships, family background, work or school experiences, and any previous counseling or treatment you have received. Together, we will begin identifying your goals for therapy and discuss what you would like your healing journey to look like. We will also talk about any questions you have regarding the therapy process, confidentiality, and what to expect in future sessions. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to participate in therapy. Some people feel comfortable talking right away, while others need more time to build trust. Both are completely okay. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we will move at a pace that feels safe and comfortable for you. My hope is that you leave your first session feeling heard, understood, and confident that you have a supportive partner to walk alongside you as you work toward your goals.
I believe that meaningful change begins with a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, compassion, and respect. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable being yourself and sharing your experiences at your own pace. One of my greatest strengths is my ability to meet people where they are. Every individual has a unique story, and I recognize that healing is not a one-size-fits-all process. I tailor each session to your specific needs, strengths, and goals while providing encouragement, accountability, and practical tools to help you move forward. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults facing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, life transitions, relationship challenges, grief, and stress. My clinical approach integrates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths-Based Therapy, and Solution-Focused techniques. I also incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills when they are appropriate to support emotional regulation and healthy coping. Clients often describe me as calm, approachable, compassionate, and easy to talk to. I believe therapy should be a collaborative partnership where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to make meaningful changes in your life. I celebrate progress, no matter how small, and I believe every person has strengths that can be built upon to support lasting growth and healing.
I work best with individuals who are ready to better understand themselves, overcome life's challenges, and create meaningful, lasting change. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, substance use concerns, relationship difficulties, grief, or navigating a major life transition, I provide a supportive space where we can work together toward your goals. I enjoy working with adolescents, adults, and older adults from diverse backgrounds and life experiences. I have experience supporting individuals who are facing emotional challenges, recovering from trauma, managing addiction or co-occurring mental health concerns, adjusting to life changes, improving self-esteem, and developing healthier coping skills. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve them. Together, we explore the experiences that have shaped those patterns while focusing on practical, evidence-based strategies to help you move forward. My goal is to help you build resilience, increase self-awareness, strengthen relationships, and gain confidence in your ability to navigate life's challenges. You do not have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. If you are willing to be open to the process and committed to your personal growth, I will meet you with compassion, respect, and support every step of the way. I believe healing happens through collaboration, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside you on your journey toward greater health, hope, and well-being.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I believe that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are deeply connected. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I help clients recognize unhelpful thought patterns that may contribute to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, stress, or relationship challenges. Together, we identify these patterns, challenge beliefs that may no longer be serving you, and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding to life's difficulties. I also incorporate mindfulness into therapy to help clients become more present and aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment. Mindfulness can reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and increase resilience by helping you respond thoughtfully rather than react automatically during difficult moments. My approach combines practical coping strategies with compassionate self-awareness. Whether we're learning new coping skills, managing overwhelming emotions, or working through past experiences, I tailor each session to your individual needs and goals. My hope is that you leave therapy with tools you can confidently use in your daily life, long after our sessions have ended.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity, and without judgment. In therapy, I use mindfulness to help clients become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations so they can respond to life's challenges with greater clarity and intention. Many people find themselves stuck worrying about the future, dwelling on the past, or reacting automatically to stress. Mindfulness helps you slow down, reconnect with the present, and develop healthier ways of managing difficult emotions. Together, we may practice breathing exercises, grounding techniques, body awareness, or other mindfulness strategies that can help reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and increase your overall sense of well-being. My goal is to help you develop practical mindfulness skills that you can incorporate into your everyday life, allowing you to feel more balanced, resilient, and connected to yourself as you move toward your personal goals.
Feminist
Feminist therapy is grounded in the belief that our personal experiences are often influenced by our relationships, culture, family systems, and the social expectations placed upon us. In my practice, I use a feminist therapy perspective to help clients better understand how these experiences may shape their thoughts, emotions, relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being. With a background in both Social Work and Women and Gender Studies, I strive to create a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. I believe that therapy should recognize not only individual challenges but also the broader life experiences that may contribute to stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, or feelings of being "stuck." Rather than focusing on what is "wrong" with you, we explore your strengths, values, and resilience while identifying patterns that may no longer serve you. Together, we work to build confidence, develop healthy boundaries, strengthen your sense of self, and create meaningful, lasting change. Although feminist therapy has its roots in supporting women, I believe its principles can benefit people of all genders by fostering self-awareness, personal empowerment, healthy relationships, and greater emotional well-being. My goal is to provide a safe, affirming, and nonjudgmental space where you feel supported as you discover your own voice and move toward the life you want to create.