The professional stuff first, I’m a licensed clinical social worker licensed to practice mental health diagnosis and treatment in Kentucky, Vermont, and Florida. I have 12+ years of independent practice and gained experience in a variety of settings and across all age groups, eventually honing my skills and training towards my preferred area of practice in the realm of trauma and the resulting disruptions in relationship with self and others. I’m a human being and began my own healing journey in my late teens. A journey to rebuild my relationship with self which involved identifying damaging beliefs and patterns of interacting with myself, my emotions, my humanity, my sexuality, my spirituality, etc., and replacing them with beliefs that support a better relationship with self. I’ve remained committed to healing as a lifelong endeavor of self-evaluation. One in which I’m consistently challenged towards calculated risks, recommitting to guiding principles of self-trust, faith and commitment to my values. I'm a certified partner trauma therapist through the International Institute of Trauma and Addiction Professionals, a special education that allows me to treat individuals who've experienced betrayal within intimate relationships. My approach is eclectic, piecing together various therapies to meet the needs of the patient. Congratulations on taking this step towards healing. No action taken towards healing, large or small, is wasted as every action taken on your behalf is a message from you that you matter- to you.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

During the first session, you can expect to answer questions that allow the therapist to understand who you are, how you became who you, what your concerns are and begin discussing a plan to help achieve your goals. Consider the first session an interview and feel empowered to ask questions about my training and experience treating your specific concerns.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I'm not just a provider, but a human being who has and continues to practice skills and techniques discussed in therapy. Having done the hard work of healing in my life, I understand the healing process and use this experience to provide compassionate guidance and support.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I am a goal directed therapist and work best with patients open to guidance and willing to integrate information between sessions. Due to limited availability, I'm best able to serve clients with the emotional stability and capacity to manage safely between scheduled sessions.

About Cheryl Combs-Walker, MSW