If you're a Black Christian woman struggling with chronic illness, medical trauma, or a crisis of faith—and you're exhausted from being dismissed, gaslit, or told to just pray harder—you're in the right place. Cheerful Heart Mental Health Counseling provides trauma-informed therapy that honors both your physical pain and your spiritual journey. Here, your whole truth is welcome.

​

My Story: Why I Understand Your Journey

Cheerful Heart Mental Health Counseling PLLC was born out of my personal journey with severe stage 4 endometriosis, adenomyosis, and medical trauma. For years, I navigated dismissive doctors, debilitating pain, and the isolating experience of having my suffering minimized or ignored. Even with extensive clinical training, it took time for me to recognize how deeply these experiences had impacted my own mental health and relationship with God.

​

Through this journey, I realized how often women's stories of pain and resilience—especially Black women's stories—go unheard in traditional care systems. I saw firsthand how the medical system fails women who are already marginalized, how churches sometimes offer spiritual platitudes instead of real support, and how few spaces exist where women can bring their whole selves.

​

Founding Cheerful Heart became my way of creating the space I needed but couldn't find—a place where clients feel truly seen, validated, and empowered to find joy in the midst of suffering. This practice was built on the belief that healing thrives in community, compassion, and collaboration, and that every woman deserves a safe space to reclaim her strength and joy.

​

My Expertise: Clinical Training That Backs Up My Commitment

I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with Diagnostic Privilege (LMHC-D) with over a decade of experience helping women navigate the complex intersection of mental and physical health. My clinical training includes:

​

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for trauma processing

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for chronic pain and illness

• Motivational Interviewing (MI) for collaborative goal-setting

• Prolonged Exposure (PE) for PTSD and anxiety

I bring evidence-based approaches to every session while honoring the reality that healing isn't one-size-fits-all. My work integrates clinical expertise with cultural competence, faith sensitivity, and a deep understanding of what it means to live in a body that feels like it's betraying you.

​

A Voice for Women Who've Been Silenced

My lived experience combined with clinical expertise has made me a sought-after voice in the field of medical trauma and women's health. I've shared my story and insights on national and community platforms, including:

​

• Endometriosis Foundation of America's Patient Day 2024 – where I spoke about the emotional toll of endometriosis and the importance of trauma-informed support

• Endo Black, Inc. – featured as an Endo Sister and panelist discussing the unique experiences of Black women living with endometriosis

• Brave Providers – contributing to a network of clinicians committed to equity and compassionate, trauma-informed care

Through these platforms, I continue to champion an integrative approach to mental health—one that bridges personal narrative with professional expertise, creating pathways of hope for women navigating complex medical and emotional challenges.

​

My Mission: More Than Just a Counseling Practice

At Cheerful Heart, I blend professional expertise with heartfelt advocacy to create more than just a counseling practice—this is a sanctuary for growth, healing, and transformation. Whether you're processing medical trauma, navigating a faith crisis, or simply need someone who understands what it's like to be dismissed and gaslit by systems that were supposed to help you, I'm here.

​

You deserve therapy that validates your experience, honors your faith, and addresses the whole you—not just your symptoms. You deserve a space where "I'm tired" doesn't require justification, where doubt and anger at God are met with compassion, and where your pain is never minimized.

That's what Cheerful Heart offers. That's the sanctuary I'm building for women like you.

​

Ready to begin your healing journey? Visit out Services page and Schedule your free consultation today.