Today we’d like to introduce you to Cherlette McCullough .
Hi Cherlette, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began my career in child welfare as a case manager and eventually became a program director, overseeing case management programs in Central and South Florida. After earning my master’s degree, I transitioned into mental health clinical practice. As a first-generation college graduate, my initial aim was to excel as an employee. However, my leadership experiences deepened my understanding of business operations and inspired me to pursue entrepreneurship.
This journey was not easy. I lacked a mentor and had no connections in the mental health private practice field who I could ask for guidance. Despite my fears and these barriers, I committed to the rigorous and costly steps required for marriage and family licensure in Florida. It took me four years to complete the state’s requirements for full licensure because I also worked a full time stressful and demanding job while fullfilling the 3000 hours requirement. During this process, I established my practice, naming it Center Peace Couples and Family Therapy, reflecting my passion for soul work “Center Peace” symbolizes finding peace in one’s heart. After earning my Florida licensure, I also became licensed in Texas.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The journey was anything but smooth. While pursuing my licensure, I juggled two jobs to earn the necessary post-graduate practicum hours one paid and the other unpaid. Learning the intricacies of therapy proved challenging, especially as I searched for a suitable practicum site and a solid, affordable clinical supervisor approved by the state of Florida.
Passing the marriage and family licensure exam was particularly tough; it’s a four-hour exam with 180 questions, considered the hardest of the three licensure exams. The results are hand-scored by a committee and not revealed for four weeks, adding to the stress. In contrast, the results for the clinical social worker and mental health licensure exams are available on the same day. Additionally, I had to navigate the complexities of the business side scaling, marketing, managing taxes, building relationships, and staying relevant in the field.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Center Peace Couples and Family Therapy ?
I’m Cherlette McCullough, a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Florida and Texas, and the founder of Center Peace Couples and Family Therapy. With over 18 years of experience in clinical therapy, I specialize in supporting women, particularly high-achieving executives, who are dealing with hidden trauma symptoms like depression and high-functioning anxiety. I also work with couples navigating affair recovery and conflict resolution, helping them rebuild trust and communication for healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
I’m passionate about unraveling the complexities of the human experience, especially as it relates to mental health. My work is guided by the belief that most things in life seem complicated, but they’re often just hard. I help individuals rewrite their personal narratives and create lives of wholeness and fulfillment.
As a fresh voice in the world of women’s empowerment, trauma recovery, and self-care, I’m known for my transparency and personal story of life, love, loss, and healing. I’m the author of W.I.N.K.–What I Need to Know After the Breakup and a 30-day affirmations journal to support healing journeys. I’m also a frequent media contributor, providing relatable mental health insights as an in-house contributor for Afrotainment Network, as well as appearing on major news stations like WFTV-9, WESH-2, WPVI-TV (6ABC), and WMFE/NPR.
I’ve been featured as a relationship expert on TV One’s Fatal Attraction and serve on several boards, including the Mental Health Association of Central Florida, Shepherd’s Hope, and Florida Executive Women (FEW).
I’m also deeply committed to community involvement and enjoy working with organizations that promote mental health and empowerment. When I’m not supporting my clients or engaging with the media, I cherish my time with my husband and my family.
Please accept a personal invitation from me to join me at my monthly all women’s support group called Ladies Happy Hour.
https://www.cherlettemccullough.com/events/ladies-happy-hour-all-women-support-group-12
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
The most important quality for my success as a mental health therapist in private practice is empathy. This ability to genuinely understand and connect with my clients allows me to create a safe and supportive environment where they feel heard and valued. Empathy fosters trust and facilitates deeper healing, enabling me to tailor my approach to each individual’s unique needs. Additionally, maintaining resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges has been crucial in navigating the complexities of private practice.
Pricing:
- I accept insurance EAP and self pay United, Aetna, Cigna and BcBs
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.centerpeacetherapy.org
- Instagram: Cherlette_Mccullough
- Facebook: Cherlette McCullough
- Youtube: Conversations with Cherlette
