Helping Adults in Life’s Toughest Transitions find Freedom, Healing, and Self-compassion.

You’ve accomplished a lot in life. People love and respect you. You’ve been in control before. But right now, something has shaken that control — perhaps a loss, betrayal, identity crisis, or mental health challenge. The resilience you once relied on feels out of reach, and the inner critic is louder than ever.

You may be:

  • Avoiding parts of life that once felt meaningful

  • Struggling with anxiety, depression, or hopelessness

  • Wondering why past coping skills, faith, or self-care routines aren’t helping right now

  • Feeling guilty for not being “grateful enough” or believing your problems “aren’t that bad”

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

I help my clients meet life’s challenges with clarity, courage, and compassion. While we can’t always change what’s happening, we can lighten the burden and help you move forward with purpose and peace of mind.

Schedule your free consultation call today, and let’s find the inner peace you know is possible.

Cherie Mills, LCSW

Approach & Specialization:

For over 25 years as a therapist, I have been helping people who experience:

  • Anxiety

  • Codependency

  • Caregiver Stress

  • Dysthymia

  • Grief and Loss

  • Guilt and Shame

  • LGBTQAI+ Issues

  • Recovery from Addiction

  • Relationship Issues

  • Trauma Recovery

I believe that healing happens when we can safely turn toward the parts of ourselves we have been avoiding. These are often the parts that carry pain, fear, or shame. Meeting them with compassion instead of judgment can open the door to lasting change. Two of the primary methods I use in this process are Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Brainspotting.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS is based on the idea that we all have different “parts” within us. Some parts may carry wounds from the past. Others try to protect us from being hurt again. Some hold our strengths and resilience. In our work together, I will guide you in getting to know these parts, understanding their roles, and helping them release old burdens. This creates more space for your core Self, which is the calm, compassionate, and confident part of you, to lead the way.

Brainspotting
Brainspotting is a powerful, brain-body-based approach that uses your visual field to access and process the deeper, often unconscious sources of emotional pain, trauma, or stuck patterns. By focusing on specific “brainspots” while staying connected to the present moment, your brain and body can release stored experiences that talking alone might not reach. Clients often describe this process as both deeply gentle and profoundly effective.

As we work together, I will tailor these tools to fit your unique needs. Sometimes we’ll focus more on exploring and understanding your inner world through IFS. Other times we can use Brainspotting to help your nervous system process experiences in a way that brings lasting relief. These two approaches often work together, allowing us to address both the emotional and physiological layers of what you are carrying.

Curious to experience these tools for yourself? Schedule a free consultation below and we can explore the possibilities together.

Free Consultation

FAQs:

What can I expect in our first session?

Our first meeting is a chance for us to get to know each other. I’ll ask questions about what brought you to therapy, your goals, and what has or hasn’t worked for you in the past. You’ll also have the opportunity to ask me questions and share anything that feels important. By the end, we’ll have a clearer idea of how we can work together.

How long will I need to be in therapy?

The length of therapy depends on your needs, goals, and circumstances. Some clients work with me for a few months to address a specific challenge, while others choose to continue for longer-term support and personal growth. We’ll discuss what feels right for you along the way.

Do you offer virtual sessions?

Yes. I provide secure video sessions for clients anywhere in Texas, Louisiana, California, and Illinois, as well as in-person appointments in the Westlake area in Austin.

How do I know if therapy with you is the right fit?

The best way to know is to try a session. I encourage you to notice how comfortable you feel talking with me, and whether our approach together feels supportive and productive. Therapy is a collaborative process, and finding the right connection is essential.

What types of issues do you work with?

I help adults navigate challenges such as anxiety, codependency, grief and loss, relationship issues, family of origin concerns, addiction recovery, LGBTQAI+ issues, seasonal affective disorder, and trauma recovery. Many of my clients are in the midst of major life transitions and are seeking clarity, resilience, and self-compassion.

How do I get started?

You can reach out through my contact form or by phone to schedule an initial appointment. From there, we’ll set a time to meet and begin working toward your goals.

It’s time you get the support you deserve.

Let's Connect