Hello and welcome! I’m Cherrice Smith, a licensed therapist with a deep passion for understanding the human mind and assisting individuals through their toughest moments. Today, I'm excited to share some significant changes with you, including the evolution of my practice's identity and its implications for our path forward.
My Journey to Becoming a Therapist
My interest in mental health was sparked within the intimate context of my family, where I first witnessed the struggles of loved ones. This ignited a desire to understand and help, leading me to an Advanced Placement (AP) psychology class in high school. The class wasn’t just educational—it was a revelation. It confirmed my calling: I was meant to become a therapist.
Addressing Mental Health in the Black Community
As a Black woman, my personal and professional experiences have made me acutely aware of how mental health issues are often misunderstood and labeled within my community. For many Black individuals, emotional and psychological challenges are dismissed as mere "stress" or seen as hurdles requiring only perseverance. This mindset, unfortunately, often leads to severe health complications and, tragically, premature death.
Traditionally, the Black community has viewed the admission of mental struggle as a weakness, opting instead for a facade of toughness. However, I am encouraged by the shifting perspective and the growing acceptance of therapy in recent times. Recognizing these issues as significant health conditions requiring professional attention is vital for our wellbeing.
I am dedicated to mental health because I want to bridge the gap between suffering in silence and seeking help. My practice is focused on helping individuals from all backgrounds, particularly those in the Black community, understand and manage conditions like depression, anxiety, life stressors, and relationship issues. It's about changing the narrative from normalizing ongoing suffering to actively addressing and healing it. This healing journey is more than about overcoming current challenges—it’s about paving the way for enduring joy and prosperity in our community.
Embracing Positivity: A Lesson from My Roots
From an early age, my parents instilled in me the power of positive thinking—articulating and manifesting one's desires into reality. This outlook taught me to view failures as necessary steps toward success, a perspective that has been integral to my resilience and perseverance. Unfortunately, many are not taught these skills due to various life experiences or a lack of tools to manage them. In my practice, I am committed to filling this gap by helping clients cultivate resilience and a positive mindset.
Introducing "The Life You Seek"
As my practice grew, I realized the need for a clearer representation of what we stand for. Initially named CLS Counseling & Consulting, the acronym stood for both my initials and "Create the Life You Seek." However, the depth of this message wasn’t clear to everyone. Thus, I am excited to introduce a new brand identity that reflects our mission more transparently: The Life You Seek.
This new name embodies our commitment to guiding you toward the life you aspire to have. It represents hope, empowerment, and the active pursuit of personal growth. With this rebranding, I am renewing my commitment to support you in transforming challenges into opportunities, helping you build the fulfilling life you deserve.
Looking Forward
Through this blog, I will share insights, tips, and resources on managing mental health, improving relationships, and enhancing overall well-being. Whether you're dealing with personal challenges, supporting someone, or simply interested in mental health, there's something here for you.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you have any questions or need support, please do not hesitate to reach out. Here’s to a journey of growth, understanding, and resilience together. Welcome to "The Life You Seek."
Amazing. Your mission will be achieved.