top of page
Gradient Clouds

Our Services

You've served faithfully, prayed faithfully, and shown up faithfully, but life still hit hard. Now you're questioning everything: your calling, your identity, even God's goodness. Maybe you're still going to church and doing what you "should," but you feel distant inside. Maybe you're leading while privately falling apart. You might be asking, "If God loves me, why am I still suffering?"

​

We help high-achieving Christian women work through seasons of loss, betrayal, chronic stress, health struggles, church hurt, and burnout that can trigger a crisis of faith. Many of the women we work with are professionals, caregivers, and ministry leaders or the ones who encourage everyone else, but don't know where to put their own pain. Our clients also come to therapy dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, or life transitions that intersect with their health journey.

​

Therapy with us is a place to take the mask off. We'll name what hurts, explore your fears and doubts, and address the trauma responses that can keep you stuck (overachieving, shutting down, spiraling, or feeling emotionally numb). We'll also work through the spiritual layers such as disappointment with God, anger, doubt, fear of judgment, and the pressure to be "a good Christian" instead of a whole and imperfect person.

​

If you want counseling that respects your faith while also giving you real clinical support, we'd love to help. We integrate Christian faith into therapy in a way that honors your beliefs without minimizing your pain or pressuring you to 'be positive." You can rebuild trust, deepen resilience, and find a way forward even if your faith feels fragile right now.

Christian Counseling for BIPOC Women

Who We Serve

Mental Health Counseling

Book A Consult

We’re here to help you take the first step towards healing

Inquiry Areas
What state are you located in?
What time of day are you available to meet for sessions?

See Messaging Terms and Conditions at the Privacy Policies link at the bottom of the page.

  • Whether you’re struggling with your faith, chronic pain or the and the emotional impact of chronic illness, therapy provides a safe and supportive space to heal and grow. Shakira and her clinicians integrate evidence-based practices—including EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE). Your pain is seen and honored here. 

  • Living with endometriosis, autoimmune conditions, or long-term health concerns can feel isolating. Our therapy approach bridges the gap between medical and emotional care, helping you process the trauma of your health journey while finding strength, clarity, and resilience. Christian counseling is offered for clients seeking to draw on their spiritual foundation as a source of comfort and strength during their journey.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful approach for healing trauma, including medical trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. EMDR is available as part of ongoing sessions and, for certain clients, as intensive sessions designed for focused healing. Faith-informed EMDR can be offered for clients who wish to integrate spiritual meaning-making into their trauma recovery.

  • For clients who want to explore the intersection of faith and mental health, we provide counseling that honors and incorporates your spiritual values. Whether you are seeking to strengthen your faith during difficult times, reconcile spiritual questions, or integrate prayer and biblical principles into therapy, faith-based counseling creates a safe space to align healing with your beliefs.

  • For pre-licensed and licensed counselors seeking diagnostic privilege in New York, Shakira offers trauma-informed and reflective supervision. Supervision emphasizes professional growth, ethical practice, and supporting complex client needs such as chronic pain and trauma.

  • A cohort group EMDR program designed for women living with Endometriosis and medical trauma.

  • Merchandise, apparel, and wellness products that amplify awareness around endometriosis and medical trauma, with proceeds supporting advocacy initiatives.

  • As an NBCC and NYSED-approved provider, Shakira will soon be offering workshops for mental health professionals on topics such as Working with Chronic Illness in Therapy and Medical Trauma in Clinical Practice. Future trainings will also explore Faith-Based Counseling and Medical Trauma

  • A raw, heartfelt space where women share their experiences with endometriosis and the medical system—focusing on resilience, advocacy, faith, and collective healing.

Learn More + Book A Consult

Fair + Transparent Pricing

Service Rates + FAQ

Individual Talk Therapy: $225 per hour

EMDR Therapy: $250 per hour

​

Endo Kin Collective Group EMDR Program: Endo Kin Collective has changed from ongoing community to a short term cohort program. Sign up for updates!

​

All services are HSA/FSA eligible. Superbills will be provided for those who have out-of-network benefits. I partner with Thrizer to expedite this process and make it easier for you to get reimbursed.

  • You can book online through Sessions Health, our secure client portal or by completing a Book A Consult form on this site. After scheduling, you’ll receive a personal email response from your assigned counselor. Once the necessary information is gathered, an invitation to Sessions Health will be sent. This is where we meet via video and where you will complete intake paperwork before your session.

  • Yes! Cheerful Heart offers both in-person and virtual sessions.

     

    In-person: Sessions are held in White Plains, New York on Saturdays by appointment. The address and directions are on this site down below at the directions link.

    ​

    Virtual: Sessions are offered via a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform, Sessions Health. You’ll receive a secure link before your appointment.

  • The initial session is 60 minutes. We’ll review your intake form, discuss your goals, and outline a personalized treatment plan.

    • Completed intake paperwork (submitted online before your session via Sessions Health)

    • ID card (if applicable; make sure to upload a picture of the front in your intake paperwork via Sessions Health.

    • Yourself, as you are -Your assigned clinician will meet you where you are

    •  A safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space

    • Discussion of your current challenges and goals for therapy

    • Review of confidentiality, consent, and office policies

    • Time to ask questions and clarify the therapy process

    • Find a quiet, private space with a strong internet connection

    • Use headphones if possible to ensure privacy

    • Test your device and internet connection before the appointment

    • Sessions must be canceled or rescheduled at least 48 hours in advance. To avoid a late cancellation fee, please reschedule within the same week of your cancellation date.

    • If you’re sick, experiencing an emergency, or need to switch to virtual at the last minute, please let us know as soon as possible. we would be happy to accommodate you if we can.

    • Currently in-network with select insurance providers (Aetna, Cigna and Northwell Direct) until April 2026

    • Out-of-network clients: Superbills are available for reimbursement via Thrizer. With Thrizer once you reach your out of network deductible you'll be able to pay your portion (copay or coinsurance) and Thrizer will directly pay me the insurance's reimbursement portion.

    • HSA/FSA cards accepted

    • Standard session rate: $225 for individual therapy & $250 for EMDR sessions

  • It’s normal to feel nervous! Remember: therapy is a collaborative process. You don’t need to have all the answers — just a willingness to show up and begin the journey.

bottom of page