Cheerful Heart was created to offer the kind of care many women need but struggle to find—care that takes women’s pain seriously, especially Black women’s pain.

The practice was founded by Shakira K. O’Garro, LMHC-D, whose lived experience with severe stage IV endometriosis, adenomyosis, and medical trauma informs every layer of this work. Like many clients, she navigated years of dismissal within medical systems and discovered how deeply those experiences can impact mental health and faith.

Cheerful Heart exists so women no longer have to choose between clinical excellence and cultural or spiritual understanding. This is a space where faith questions are allowed, anger at God is met with compassion, and healing is supported with genuine loving kindness.

Cheerful Heart is more than a counseling practice; it’s a sanctuary for women who are tired of carrying pain alone.