Cherstan Crawford

My goal is to provide a space of safety, no judgment, encouragement, and support. I have experience working with anxiety, codependency, self-esteem issues, and teaching tools to help manage all of life’s transitions. I’m passionate about empowerment, the development of a growth mindset, and helping people live life as their best and highest selves. I believe that you are meant to live fully, intentionally, and purposefully; and I am dedicated to helping you do so.

My approach

I have a holistic approach to therapy. I believe in treating the whole person. My focus and concern is not only your mental health; but also how you are doing physically, emotionally, interpersonally, and spiritually. All of these aspects comprise a person and when one of these aspects is out of alignment, the whole person is out of alignment. I also like to bring focus to your childhood upbringing, childhood relationships, and childhood environments. I believe who we are raised by, how we were raised, and the environments we are raised in directly correlate to who we are today as people.

My focus

I enjoy working with people of all ethnicities, religions, and cultural backgrounds. I strongly value diversity and inclusion. I am passionate about learning, being educated, and staying abreast of various cultural topics and needs so that I may strive to treat in a way that is culturally sensitive, inclusive, and culturally aware. I have experience working with a diverse background of clients. The populations I service include adults, LGBTQIA, and seniors.

My communication style

My communication style is very engaging. I actively listen so that I may better understand you, offer observations and ask questions that better give you personal insights and realizations about yourself. My goal is to make you feel heard, understood, validated, seen, and comfortable. Everything that you have to say to me is important and relevant and I do my best to convey that in my communication and listening style.

My journey to mental healthcare

I believe being of service to people as a therapist is my purpose. Since I was a child I was intuitive and perceptive of others' emotions and have always had a deep desire to understand and help others. I was a children's and family counselor for 4 years in social services. I have been practicing therapy since 2016 and I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have received training in trauma-informed care as well as training in mindfulness.

My goals for you

I always tell my clients at their first session, "My goal is for you to fire me!" Meaning, that is of the utmost importance for me to educate you, provide you with skills, give you tools, and support you in better understanding yourself and what you are experiencing so you can go forth and use this knowledge to flourish on your own in the world. I believe we all have the answers that we are seeking inside of ourselves. However, fear leaves us feeling stuck and uncertain. We all have an inner knowingness and intuition innately. But we become misguided as we try to make our way through this world. My purpose is to support you in releasing that fear that keeps you feeling stuck and uncertain and to hold your hand as you begin the journey back to self. Success to me looks like, you being equipped with all the tools, knowledge, and insights that you need to move forward and blossom as your truest and highest self.

My first session with you

The first sessions with me will look like handling logistics and me obtaining any background, history, or past information I may need. After that, we discuss how I can be of service to you. We discuss any goals or objectives that you want to accomplish through our time together. I inquire if you have any questions for me. Most often, we have time for a brief initial session. After, I inquire how the experience with me was for you, how you are feeling about the process, and if you feel I am a good fit. We will then set a schedule for you that feels comfortable. After that, we begin your journey!