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Cheri Atkinson

Cheri Atkinson, LCSW

California

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Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Anger and Life Transitions

  • Stress and anxiety
  • Chronic illness support
  • Emotional coping skills

About Cheri

Cheri Atkinson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 40 years of professional experience. She helps people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, relationship and family concerns, self-esteem struggles, and major life changes.

She has long experience supporting people facing chronic illness, disability, and caregiver strain. She also works with those adjusting after accidents or serious medical events. Her work includes helping clients who are coping with cancer, chronic pain, HIV/AIDS, and other long-term health challenges.

Cheri focuses on practical skills and straightforward discussion. She works with clients to identify thoughts and patterns that fuel strong reactions. Together they practice emotional coping skills and communication strategies that can reduce reactivity and build steadier responses.

Her approach is client-centered and responsive to the problem at hand. She adapts methods to fit what the person wants to accomplish and what feels manageable. Sessions are focused on real-life situations and on steps people can try between meetings.

Cheri has worked across clinical and community settings over four decades. That background informs a steady, experienced perspective when addressing life transitions, mood disorders, panic, and the wear of long-term caregiving. She invites people who want clearer thinking about anger, resentment, or workplace frustration to explore practical ways to change daily patterns.

How evidence-based approaches translate to online work

Two common evidence-based techniques she uses are cognitive restructuring and skills-based coping. Cognitive restructuring helps people notice and reframe unhelpful thoughts that escalate anger or anxiety, and it can reduce repeated patterns of reaction. Skills-based coping focuses on breathing, brief behavioral changes, and communication steps to manage intensity in the moment and afterward.

Another helpful approach is behavioral problem-solving. This method breaks large, stressful problems into small, testable steps so people can try practical changes and evaluate results. It suits work-related frustration, caregiving stress, and life transitions where concrete steps matter.

Finding the right mix of methods is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about goals and preferences, then choose approaches that fit their needs and situation. Adjustments are made as progress is observed and as goals shift.

Confirm current session formats before booking, as the biography does not specify them. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They can also accommodate those balancing caregiving, medical appointments, or work breaks while keeping focus on practical skill building.

Areas of expertise

Also works with

Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes

Additional focus areas

CancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCommunication problemsControl issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injury

Experience

40+ years

Listed in

California

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of anger or related problems does she address?

She works with people dealing with anger connected to stress, resentment, relationship strain, workplace frustration, and reactions after medical or life changes.

What is her general approach in sessions?

Sessions focus on practical skills and clear conversation. She helps clients notice patterns, practice coping strategies, and try changes between meetings.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Cheri has 40 years of professional experience in social work and clinical settings, including work with chronic illness and caregiving concerns.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California.

Which languages are sessions offered in?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does she work with international clients?

She does not accept international clients at this time.

How are fees handled?

Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.

Whenever you are ready

Review online therapy options and next steps on BetterHelp, in your own time.

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Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, or you are afraid of someone at home, contact emergency services. Emergency and domestic abuse numbers

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Cheri AtkinsonLCSW

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