Now forming: Christian Grief Therapy Group•Amber Arteaga is accepting new clients White Plains NY & online in NY, NJ, PA, CT, SC & CA(914) 214-7792

Trauma Therapy for Women of Color in White Plains NY

Faith‑Affirming, Trauma‑Informed Therapy for BIPOC Women.

For women carrying pain, trauma, grief, or questions about God that feel hard to say out loud, we offer trauma-informed therapy that respects your body, your culture, and your faith.

In person in White Plains NY Online in NY, NJ, PA, CT, SC & CA EMDR, Brainspotting & Christian counseling
A Black woman resting in a sunlit armchair with a cup of tea and an open book
Consider thisyour invitation to rest.
Shakira K O'GarroLMHC-D, LPCC, LPC, NCC
Shakira K O'Garro LMHC-D, LPCC, LPC, NCC, founder of Cheerful Heart Mental Health Counseling in White Plains NY
Shakira K O'GarroLMHC-D, LPCC, LPC, NCC
Welcome to Cheerful Heart

You found the right place.

If you are reading this at 2 am wondering why your body will not stop hurting and why God feels so far away, you found the right place. This is a space built for you. The one who keeps showing up faithfully while you are suffering and your faith is hanging by a thread. Consider this your invitation to rest.

I am Shakira K. O'Garro, a licensed psychotherapist and endo sister. Living through severe Stage IV endometriosis, medical trauma, and a faith challenged by chronic pain, I founded Cheerful Heart to be the therapist I once needed and could not find.

The women I work with are faithful, capable, and known as the strong one. Underneath that, you feel exhausted and uncared for. At Cheerful Heart, Shakira and her clinicians help you to heal and move forward from some of life’s biggest disappointments and challenges.

Learn more about me

Trauma Informed Care & EMDR Therapy

Christian & Faith-based Counseling

Let’s Connect

If you are ready to take the next step, I am here to support you.

Women's Health & Spirituality

What We Treat

In-Person & Virtual Modalities: Individual, EMDR, & Brainspotting Groups

How We Help

Kind Words

Testimonials

Shakira is helping me with self-discovery and identifying ways to help me be more assertive and address situations head-on. I am enjoying this process of unlearning certain traits that I have adopted over the years and changing my perspective on certain topics as well. Looking forward to updating Shakira on the progress I have made and some setbacks along the way.

Cheerful Heart Client - California

My therapist has been amazing so far! She listens to me and pays attention to areas I need to work on and provides great feedback and amazing tools in order for me to reach where I want to be. She creates a safe place for me to express myself, and when I leave her sessions, I come out feeling a little stronger than I was before. I’m grateful to her.

Cheerful Heart Client - New York

Shakira is an Amazingly Empathetic, Passionate and Caring Therapist. She has expertise in working with those who struggle with Endometriosis but exudes sincerity and wisdom that will make any person from all walks of life feel safe, secure and comfortable.

Peaceful Pathways PLLC - Plattsburgh, NY

I’m incredibly grateful for my time with Shakira. She is remarkably easy to talk to in how she creates a safe and comfortable space where I feel truly heard and understood. Her culturally sensitive and trauma-informed approach has been invaluable, allowing me to feel respected and seen in all aspects of my identity. She explains treatment concepts clearly and memorably, which helps me feel empowered and engaged throughout my healing process. Her professionalism and receptiveness make each session feel productive and meaningful. I would highly recommend her to anyone seeking compassionate, culturally aware, and effective therapy.

Cheerful Heart Client - New York

I enjoy my sessions with Shakira as they are very enlightening and helpful. I’ve been truly blessed by her guidance and resources over the years.

Cheerful Heart Client - California

Shakira O’Garro is an exceptional therapist. Shakira is caring compassionate and dedicated to her profession. Shakira has extensive training, experience and provides high quality of services.

Joanna Terrelonge, LMHC

Shakira provides holistic, personable therapy services. Her interest and clinical care around medical issues, especially Endometriosis (endo) and Adenomyosis (adeno), are strong. I highly recommend Shakira!

Lindsay Boudreau, MSW, LICSW

Shakira has been my favorite therapists so far, if I ever needed services again, I would definitely go back to her!! So caring, relatable, and gave me the consistent conversation I was looking for. She taught me how to self-soothe as well as other things that have helped me in the long run to come down from spiraling thoughts such as pausing, talking it out, going to the gym. Shakira was always there when I needed her🤍

Former Cheerful Heart Client - New York

As a fellow counselor, I admire how deeply Shakira shows up for her clients-with integrity, empathy, and genuine care. She has a warm approach, and is committed to continually learning in order to meet her clients' needs.

Julianna S Hedberg, MA, LMHC

A Cheerful Heart

is Good Medicine.

Proverbs 17:22
Your Next Step

Contact us today to schedule your consultation

You were not meant to be strong all the time. In this space you get to set the mantle down.

(914) 214-7792

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