Cheryl Alvarado, LCSW

03/21/2026

Anyone ever try this?

01/06/2025

Hello All. I was recently interviewed on the radio and wanted to share this. It's a short podcast about Reiki services offered in my psychotherapy practice in Jacksonville, FL.

https://ppn-worldwide.simplecast.com/episodes

Episode #11804, Cheryl Alvarado, 12-30-2024

Where Brilliance Meets Business

02/01/2023

Working on staying present in the moment. So much we can learn from these amazing beasts.

12/30/2022

Another relaxation tool!

08/30/2021

Well said.

Sis, the inability to receive support from others is a trauma response.

Your “I don’t need anyone, I’ll just do it all myself” conditioning is a survival tactic. You needed it to shield your tender heart from abuse, neglect, betrayal, and disappointment from those who could not or would not be there for you.

From the parent who was absent by choice or by the circumstance of working three jobs to feed and house you.

From the lovers who offered sexual intimacy but no offered no safe haven that honored your heart.

From the friendships that always took more than they gave.

From all the situations when someone told you “we’re in this together” then abandoned you, leaving you to pick up the pieces when isht got real, leaving you to handle your part and their part, too.

From the lies. The betrayals.

You learned along the way that you just couldn’t really trust people. Or that you could trust people, but only up to a certain point.

Ultra-independence is a *trust issue.*

You learned: if I don’t put myself in a situation where I rely on someone, I won’t have to be disappointed when they don’t show up for me, or when they drop the ball... because they will always drop the ball sooner or later, right?

You may even have been intentionally taught this protection strategy by generations of hurt women who came before you.

Ultra-independence is a preemptive strike against heartbreak.

So, you don’t trust anyone.

And you don’t trust yourself, either, to choose people.

To trust is to hope, to trust is vulnerability.

“Never again,” you vowed.

But no matter how you dress it up and display it proudly to make it seem like this level of independence is what you always wanted to be, in truth it’s your wounded, scarred, broken heart behind a protective brick wall.

Impenetrable. Nothing gets in. No hurt gets in. But no love gets in either.

Fortresses and armor are for those in battle, or who believe the battle is coming.

It’s trauma response.

The good news is trauma that is acknowledged is trauma that can be healed.

You are worthy of having support.
You are worthy of having true partnership.
You are worthy of love.
You are worthy of having your heart held.
You are worthy to be adored.
You are worthy to be cherished.

You are worthy to have someone say, “You rest. I got this.” And actually deliver on that promise.

You are worthy to receive.
You are worthy to receive.
You are worthy to receive.
You are worthy.
Worthy, sis.
You are worthy.

You don’t have to earn it.
You don’t have to prove it.
You don’t have to bargain for it.
You don’t have to beg for it.

You are worthy.
Worthy.

Simply because you exist.

I love you. 🧡~J.

~ Jamila White, Psychic & Life Coach
IG:
www.inspiredjamila.com

Art by Lucy Campbell
www.lupiart.com

07/01/2019

11/10/2018

A corner in my office. These "miniatures" are not a collection of toys. They are symbols - representative of life. Work, play, family, friends, animals, buildings, etc. The story is yours to create...representing your unique interpretation. In therapy, we use them in dream exploration, Mindfulness exercises, and sandtray therapy for unlocking the unconscious story and "dreaming into the sand".

10/31/2018

https://youtu.be/y_24MzxFkYY

Sandtray therapy is a full sensory experience where you can shut off your “thinking” brain and just create. It offers a view of your subconscious landscape rich with insights, not as easily accessed through traditional talk therapy. “Dreaming into the sand” moves hidden material into the light of conscious awareness for processing and healing, Like hypnotherapy, creating in the sand accesses the language of the subconscious mind - “symbols” and the wisdom of the body.
Sandtray therapy has been used in PTSD groups working with combat veterans and active duty service members. It has proven useful in treating adults with anxiety, depression, physical and sexual abuse, grief, loss, and more.
Why? Sandtray therapy is a creative, nonverbal medium of expression that is playful, and nonthreatening. You are in the driver's seat. Like EMDR, it is not necessary to talk about trauma or feelings until discussion feels right…in your time. The healing still happens through the process of working in the sand and using your body and "felt" senses to move through the subconscious entanglements.
If you've tried talk therapy and are interested in trying a body therapy that will provide “aha” moments of connection, please call the front office to schedule an appointment with Cheryl @ 904-200-7979.
Also, please watch the events page for upcoming weekend sandtray workshops.

10/27/2018

Here is an important tool for your toolbox of self care. Remember - a panic episode only lasts for moment. It's the fearful belief and secondary fear of having the episode that increases and sustains it. So, ground...practice when you are calm and it "builds the muscle".