Shakira O’Garro, LMHC-D, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with Diagnostic Privilege with over a decade of experience helping women navigate the complex intersection of mental and physical health. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Prolonged Exposure (PE), bringing evidence-based approaches to her clinical work.

Her expertise and lived experience with endometriosis and medical trauma have made her a sought-after voice in the field. She has shared her story and clinical insights on national and community platforms, including presenting at Endometriosis Foundation of America’s Patient Day in 2024, being a featured Endo Sister of the month with Endo Black, and contributing to Brave Providers, a network highlighting the voices of clinicians committed to equity and compassionate trauma-informed care. Shakira’s work has also been featured on Endo Found, where she emphasizes the importance of validating women’s traumatic lived experiences in healthcare. Through these appearances and publications, she continues to champion an integrative and compassionate approach to mental health—one that bridges personal narrative with professional expertise, creating pathways of hope for women navigating complex medical and emotional challenges.

Cheerful Heart Mental Health Counseling PLLC was born out of Shakira’s personal journey. After years of navigating her own medical trauma and the emotional toll of chronic illness, she realized how often women’s stories of pain and resilience go unheard in traditional care systems. Founding Cheerful Heart became her way of creating a space where clients feel truly seen, validated, and empowered to find joy in the midst of suffering. The 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. These values are also reflected in Shakira’s approach to therapy and the supportive community launching on Dec 1, 2025, EndoKin Collective.

Through her work, Shakira continues to blend professional expertise with heartfelt advocacy, ensuring Cheerful Heart is more than just a counseling practice—it is a sanctuary for growth, healing, and transformation.