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Headshot of Cherish Smith, LMHC

Cherish Smith

Therapist(She/Her)
8 years of experience
Regularly rebookedMore than 70% of clients return for care
  • Virtual & in-person
  • Anxiety, Stress management, Grief or loss, Trauma, PTSD
  • Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

You might feel stuck, overwhelmed, or weighed down by past experiences. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, self-doubt, or a sense of being “behind” in life who are looking for meaningful, lasting change, not just quick fixes.

I offer a supportive, collaborative space where we slow things down, make sense of what you’re experiencing, and identify practical, realistic steps forward at a pace that feels manageable. For those who are open to it, I also incorporate creative, art-based approaches as a way to explore and process emotions that can be difficult to put into words. You can learn more about me and my practice at www.CherishMentalHealth.com

My approach to therapy

I offer trauma-informed, collaborative therapy that integrates art therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed parts work, insight-oriented therapy, and somatic mindfulness practices. My approach is gentle, relational, and process-oriented. Together, we focus on building safety, understanding patterns, reconnecting with your authentic self, and creating meaningful, lasting change rather than seeking quick fixes.

I especially enjoy working with clients who are interested in creativity, self-exploration, and going beyond surface-level coping strategies. We explore how past experiences may continue to shape present-day challenges—such as people-pleasing, perfectionism, difficulty setting boundaries, self-doubt, or avoiding conflict—while also developing practical tools to manage anxiety, regulate emotions, and feel more grounded in everyday life.

I also work well with clients seeking trauma-focused therapy. Using approaches such as somatic grounding, parts work, art therapy, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), we can process experiences that continue to impact your present and create space for healing and growth. My ideal clients are open to self-reflection and curious about their inner world, even if they feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin.

What you can expect from me

During our initial session, I will ask questions to get to know you, we will delve into the issues at hand, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps.

You don’t have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. If you’re feeling unsure where to begin, we can take it one step at a time. I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can move at your own pace and begin to feel more grounded and clear while developing strategies that feel practical or aligned with your life.

About me

  • I identify as
    Caucasian, Cisgender Woman
  • My style is
    Affirming, Warm, Creative

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    8 years of experience
  • Training
    MA (Master of Arts) at Phillips Graduate University, Bachelor of Science at Biola Univversity
  • License type
    LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) (Florida)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Aetna Medicare Advantage, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Florida Blue, Florida Blue Medicare Advantage, Oscar, Oxford, United Healthcare, United Healthcare Medicare Advantage

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, Stress management, Grief or loss, Trauma, PTSD
  • More specialties
    Substance use / addiction, ADD/ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Sleep disorder, Panic disorders, Physical health issues, Maternal mental health, Relationship issues, Women's issues, Chronic conditions
  • Therapy methods
    Behavioral Activation (BA), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Somatic, Positive Psychology, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment Based, Art Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS), Strength-Based, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy
  • Care types
    Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Seniors, Adults
  • Languages
    English
  • Location
    13035 West Linebaugh Avenue suite 101
    Westchase, FL 33626