Cherisse McNaughton-Balzano, LPC, LAC, NCC, BC-TMH

Areas of Expertise:

Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Addiction Counselor
Individuals, Adults, Teens
Trauma/PTSD
EMDR
Anxiety
Burnout
Depression
Bipolar Disorder
Suicidal Ideation
Substance Use
Compulsive Behaviors
Codependency
Spiritual Growth
Life Transitions
Stress Management
Self-Esteem
Healthcare Workers

Despite your best efforts and attempts to seek guidance from self-help resources, you may find yourself feeling stuck and discouraged when life throws particularly challenging obstacles in your path. You question your ability to find healing, wondering if there’s even a point in trying. Sometimes, you even might turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, seeking temporary escape from your despair. Breaking free from such patterns can feel impossible.

As someone who has experienced trauma, I understand the complexities that arise and the importance of building trust at your own pace. I work on establishing an authentic and trustworthy connection with you first. It begins with listening to your story—the reason behind your decision to seek help—and asking questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of your unique circumstances. Together, we can develop a plan to move forward.

It’s common for judgments from others to linger in our mind, even if unintentional. We might tell ourselves that we should “be stronger” or “feel better.“ Trust can be especially difficult to rebuild when we’ve been hurt by someone close to us, leading us to believe that “no one will believe me” or that speaking up wouldn’t make a difference. I am here to help you break through these patterns that feel so overwhelming.

For some individuals, having a safe space to express their thoughts and emotions proves immensely beneficial. Others find value in exploring specific concepts and practicing skills using provided resources. This might involve paying closer attention to our emotions, challenging and reframing perspectives, bringing our whole selves together, and letting go of unhelpful patterns.

I draw from various therapeutic approaches, including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Some have found it helpful to talk about both the ways their faith practices and beliefs have helped them as well as the spiritual hurt they’ve experienced. I welcome the opportunity to incorporate your faith if you find it helpful. And if you don’t have a faith tradition or don’t want to focus on it, that’s 100% okay, too! My goal is to create a supportive environment tailored to your needs.

Outside of the therapy office, I enjoy cooking, hiking, board games, and laughing with my husband!

To book your first appointment with Cherisse, please contact our intake coordinator at 720-370-3010 as our therapists are in sessions during the day and often cannot get back to you in a timely manner.

Email: Cherisse@authenticconnectionscounseling.com

Office: 720-702-8574

Rate: $145/50 minute session

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