Cherrie-Ann Simon, LMFT

My name is Cherrie-Ann Simon, I was born and raised on the island of Trinidad. I immigrated to
Southern California in my late teens in search of a better life. As an adult I was diagnosed with dyslexia
which made college difficult, yet I worked through educational and life challenges. I became passionate
about education and was awarded several scholarships, including the McNair Scholar Award which
afforded me the opportunity to conduct, travel and present my research at various conferences. I received
my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication and Minor in Africana Studies from California State
University, Dominguez Hills.
My passion for helping others like myself led me to a career in Higher Education. In working with first-
generation, low-income minority, formerly incarcerated and disabled students I came to understand the
many barriers to success including mental illness which leads to a low matriculation rate and difficulty
obtaining career goals. These students inspired me to return to school and become a therapist. I studied
Clinical Psychology, specialized in Spiritual Depth Psychology, and was awarded the Library Research
Award for an Article entitled, “Access to Mental Health Services for Low-Income African American
Single Parents,” at Antioch University.
I believe in, and have benefited from, therapy to overcome life challenges including childhood trauma. I
am an advocate for a client centered therapeutic relationship and enjoy working with individuals from
different socioeconomic levels as well as cultural and religious backgrounds. My specialties include
transitional age youth and adults experiencing difficulties with depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-
esteem, loss of a loved one, PTSD, ADHD, intergenerational trauma, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, life
transitions, relationships, and stress. I use an eclectic approach to make sure that treatment is catered to
serve my client's specific needs. I am grounded in Spiritual Depth Psychology and utilize Attachment
Theory and evidenced based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and
Strength Based Therapy. I have a strong belief in the benefits of cultural humility creating a safe,
nonjudgmental environment for my clients to process their feelings, guide their discovery, learn new
skills; which in turn enables them to work towards healing and achieving goals.