About
Cheri Locke, MA, LPC, CCTP
A little about me and how counseling became my saving grace and my passion.
I experienced a significant trauma in my early childhood, but back then, mental health was not something that was discussed like it is today. I went through my teen years struggling to overcome what happened and made some negative choices. As a young adult, I was still experiencing adverse effects from the trauma and from my poor decisions. I eventually found some peace, and during that time, I met a man who later became my husband. Just as I thought my life was turning in a positive direction, I experienced postpartum depression after the birth of my first son. At the time, I didn’t know what was happening other than feeling like my life and relationship were spiraling out of control. I spent a whole year suffering in silence and, soon after, our relationship hit a point where we separated.
At that time I decided to reach out to a counselor. I began with individual counseling and I learned I am the only person with power over me. Yes, I was a victim in my childhood, but I did not have to be a victim in adulthood. And, man, that is something very powerful to learn! The counselor helped me open my eyes, my heart, and my mind, and every time I reflected back on our conversation, I realized I was uncovering more of myself, which was scary! I was revealing something I forever had been trying to hide from or bury. It was a place of finding empowerment and enlightenment. It was also the moment I realized I wanted at the very least to help an individual or a couple the way I had been helped. My saving grace became my passion.
My husband also began working with a marriage counselor and I will be forever grateful to our therapist because, without therapeutic intervention, I’m not sure where either of us would be. But today we are happily married with two kids, three dogs, and a deeper understanding of ourselves. While sometimes we still hit a “few bumps” along the way, we always remember the tools we learned. I want my clients to walk away feeling they, too, have the tools to help themselves now and in the future.
Training and Certifications
- Master’s in Psychology, MA, 2014, Houston Baptist University
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Certification, Level I
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Certification, Level II
- Ongoing continuing education in areas of couples therapy, family and relational therapy, sex therapy, addiction, anxiety, depression, psychopharmacology, parenting, and ethics
Therapeutic Relationship
Therapy is a collaborative process between you and your therapist, a relationship that is unique and personal. During the therapy process, you are sharing and exploring many aspects of your inner world, so trust is a critical element. Individual counseling and couples counseling can be a powerful experience of self-discovery that can help you find many of the answers to your issues.
I feel honored to be a part of the process with each of my clients. I provide a safe place for you to explore your life and help you on your journey to healing and change. Whether you’re looking for an individual, couples, or marriage counselor, my services cater to the unique individual or couple and their situation.
Therapeutic Approach
I implement evidence-based techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Insight-Oriented Therapy, Gottman Method, and Emotionally Focused Therapy for effective individual therapy or couples therapy. I vary my strategies for each client to ensure I am providing the most effective care that will help you implement change. My goal is to be your trusted individual, couples, or marriage counselor who you feel safe to confide in.
