My name is Cherrie-Ann Simon, I was born and raised on the island of Trinidad. I immigrated to Southern California in my late teens in search of a better life. As an adult, I was diagnosed with dyslexia which made college difficult, yet I worked through educational and life challenges. I became passionate about education and was awarded several scholarships, including the McNair Scholar Award which afforded me the opportunity to conduct, travel and present my research at various conferences. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and a Minor in Africana Studies from California State University, Dominguez Hills. My passion for helping others like myself led me to a career in Higher Education. In working with first- generation, low-income minorities, formerly incarcerated and disabled students I came to understand the many barriers to success including mental illness which leads to a low matriculation rate and difficulty obtaining career goals. These students inspired me to return to school and become a therapist. I studied Clinical Psychology, specializing in Spiritual Depth Psychology, and was awarded the Library Research Award for an Article entitled, “Access to Mental Health Services for Low-Income African American Single Parents,” at Antioch University. I believe in, and have benefited from, therapy to overcome life challenges including childhood trauma. I am an advocate for a client-centered therapeutic relationship and enjoy working with individuals from different socioeconomic levels as well as cultural and religious backgrounds. My specialties include transitional-age youth and adults experiencing difficulties with depression, anxiety, trauma, low self- esteem, loss of a loved one, PTSD, ADHD, intergenerational trauma, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, life transitions, relationships, and stress. I use an eclectic approach to make sure that treatment is catered to serve my client’s specific needs. I am grounded in Spiritual Depth Psychology and utilize Attachment Theory and evidence base approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Strength-Based Therapy.
I have a strong belief in the benefits of cultural humility creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment for my clients to process their feelings, guide their discovery, and learn new skills; which in turn enables them to work towards healing and achieving goals.
I believe that every client is unique and utilizes different modalities such as attachment theory, cognitive restructuring to help clients change patterns of negative thinking and cope with stress and anxiety, communication approaches geared towards conflict resolution and personal growth, mindfulness to manage distress tolerance and improve interpersonal relationships as well as exploration of spiritual practice to support recovery.
I am an advocate for a client-centered therapeutic relationship and enjoy working with individuals from different socioeconomic levels as well as cultural and religious backgrounds.
I am experienced in the areas of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, PTSD, ADHD, intergenerational trauma, Bipolar, life transitions and relationship problems.