Cherisse McNaughton-Balzano, LPC, LAC, NCC, BC-TMH

Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Addiction Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Board Certified Tele-mental Health provider who works with:  Teens and Adults

Areas of Interest & Expertise:

• Trauma/PTSD
• EMDR
• Anxiety
• Burnout
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Suicidal Ideation
• Substance Use
• Compulsive Behaviors
• Codependency
• Spiritual Growth
• Life Transitions
• Stress Management
• Self-Esteem
• Healthcare Workers

Are you feeling alone, unable to trust even those closest to you? Do you often feel that your voice doesn't matter, that you're not believed or truly heard? This sense of isolation can be deeply painful, leaving you feeling unheard and unseen in your struggles.

Are you stuck in a pattern of unhealthy behavior, trying your best to break free but finding it nearly impossible? Is the weight of reliving past traumas overwhelming you, making it hard to move forward? These challenges can be suffocating, trapping you in a cycle that seems never-ending.

As your therapist, my goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you feel truly seen and heard. I help you understand your emotions and develop ways to cope with them in the moment.  This helps you to break free from patterns that have held you back. I am here to support you every step of the way as you make positive changes.

What does Cherisse love about being a therapist?

What I love about being a therapist is going on a journey with you towards healing. I find it incredibly rewarding to see you have a breakthrough or gain a new perspective. I enjoy creating a space where you can discover new insights and find lasting relief by addressing the root causes of your pain. It’s amazing to be part of your journey and see you grow and heal. 

How would Cherisse describe herrself as a therapist?

I see myself as a collaborative therapist, working hand-in-hand with you to tailor treatment to your individual needs and pacing. Whether you prefer a structured treatment approach or a more client-directed path, I'm here to support you every step of the way. 

What makes Cherisse unique as a therapist?

With a passion for evidence-based practices, I bring a diverse skill set to the table, including Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Additionally, I am trained in Crisis Assessment and Management, integrating spirituality into therapy if desired, and have extensive experience in acute treatment settings. 

Education and Professional Background

I hold licenses as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addiction Counselor, along with certifications in EMDR and Crisis Assessment and Management. I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Board Certified Tele-Mental Health provider. 

Hobbies & Fun

When I'm not in the therapy room, you can often find me hiking the Colorado Trail with my husband, tackling a segment at a time and making progress every summer. I also enjoy unwinding with a good board game. 

What are clients saying?

Clients consistently express feeling heard and understood in our sessions. They report tangible progress in their daily lives and are surprised by the strides they've made towards their goals. 

To book your first appointment with Cherisse, please contact our intake coordinator at 720-370-3010 as our therapists are in sessions during the day and often cannot get back to you in a timely manner. 

Email: Cherisse@authenticconnectionscounseling.com

Office:   720-702-8574 

Rate: $145/50 minute session