Ciara Cherry
Marriage & Family Therapy Intern
Counseling in Denver, NC
So, you are here, which means you are looking for a therapist or counselor who can truly understand you and help you find relief. You've been carrying the weight of what you're going through for long enough that you don't want to risk choosing someone who won't get it—much less help you move forward. Whether you're looking for mental peace, relief from the thoughts that won't quiet down, the ability to be present in your life again, deeper connection, healing in your relationships, or a safe space to slow down and make sense of it all, you are in the right place.
I believe every client has a unique story, and that our experiences, relationships, and environments shape how we understand ourselves and respond to the challenges we face. Counseling, to me, is a safe and supportive space where you can slow down, explore what you've been carrying, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself and others in your life.
My name is Ciara Cherry, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapy Intern pursuing my Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Montreat College. But I want you to know something important: I am not new to this work.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Public Health from East Carolina University, and for the past 6 years I've been working in public health as a care manager for a suicide prevention program. In that role, I've spent years providing one-on-one counseling under the license of a fully licensed therapist—sitting with people during some of the hardest, most painful moments of their lives and helping them find their footing again. That experience showed me how much I love the one-on-one work of therapy, and it's what led me to pursue my master's degree so I can devote myself to counseling even more fully—individual, couples, and family therapy.
Because of my background in suicide prevention and crisis intervention, I have experience supporting individuals during times of real emotional distress. In my clinical work, I have experience supporting individuals, children, teens, couples, and families navigating concerns such as depression, anxiety, self-esteem, boundaries, life stage transitions, grief, suicidal thoughts, and traumatic experiences. When things feel overwhelming or unstable, my priority is to provide a safe, supportive environment where you can regain your footing and identify the coping strategies and resources that meet your immediate needs.
My approach to therapy is relational and systemic, with a strong foundation in attachment theory. I believe our early relationships and attachment experiences influence how we connect with others, regulate our emotions, and respond to stress. I am particularly drawn to Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which allows me to explore the underlying emotions, attachment needs, and relational patterns that may be contributing to what you're facing right now. I also value Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills—mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness—as practical tools you can actually use to manage difficult emotions and navigate hard situations in your day-to-day life. I also am a Prepare-Enrich facilitator to deepen my ability to help couples before or during marriage build a stronger relationship. Lastly, I provide faith-based counseling for clients who are seeking to integrate their faith.
I love helping people find healing, work through difficult situations, and find success in their own lives. So if you're ready to slow down, make sense of what you're going through, and build the kind of life and relationships you're looking for, I'm ready and excited to walk alongside you.
Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to support clients as they navigate life’s challenges, growth, and healing. At Equalize Counseling & Consulting, we know it can feel like a big step to call a counselor, but we’ll make it easy. We’ll spend 15-minutes on the phone, and we’ll let you know how or if we can help. If we are not the right fit, we’ll do our best to get you to the right person.
Contact us at (704) 815-6440 or check out our contact page for your free 15-minute phone consultation. Morgan practices in our Denver office and offers virtual counseling to anyone in North Carolina or South Carolina.
I believe everyone has a story worth sharing, and I’d be honored to hear yours! Reach out or call me for your free 15 minute consultation.