SwagHer Spotlight: Cheron Crouch

By: Francheska “Fancy” Felder

Cheron Crouch is the founder of Magnifying Expectations LLC, a behavioral health firm, where she combines her lived experiences and clinical expertise to mount winning therapeutic strategies for clients. Armed with over 15 years of clinical practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Master Addiction Counselor, Cheron honed her skills by providing therapy to children, adolescents, and adults at diverse stages of mental functioning. Cheron has branded her unique form of therapy in her signature workshop entitled “Unfriending Your Inner Critic.” Using trauma-informed approaches, Cheron tenderly defines and addresses “the innercritic” as an inner voice living rent-free in one’s head, constantly judging, criticizing, and demeaning us at key moments in our lives. Cheron is passionate about locating and evicting the inner critic occupying space in the minds of her clients because this voice is often the driver of depression, anxiety, anger, and suicidal ideology. embraces personal growth and achievement. According to Cheron, “Addressing my own inner critic helps me empathize with my clients and their support systems in ways that I believe makes me a better therapist.”

Fancy: How would you describe your swagher? What makes Cheron, Cheron?

Cheron: I am a country girl from Columbus, Georgia. I moved to Atlanta after graduate school in 2004, seeking better employment opportunities. I am silly. I can be an introvert at times and then there are situations where I can be extremely social. That sounds like an oxymoron, right?! I can’t swim, but I love the beach and water. I am a fan of trap music and gospel music, and they are intertwined in my playlist. I am a mom (my most rewarding job!), sister, friend, lover, and daughter.

I like to describe myself as compassionately honest. I am compassionately honest with myself, friends, and people who find themselves seeking my clinical services. The keyword is compassion. Anyone can blurt out an honest opinion, but it takes care and concern to respond to others honestly and with love, care, and concern.

Cheron knows firsthand the roots and results of coping with an inner critic, as she courageously faces life after having overcome a childhood marked by key factors commonly associated with negative outcomes for youth at greater risk. Transparently, Cheron continues to struggle with honoring a single mom who did the best she could, while she (Cheron)

I am serious about my career as a Licensed Professional Counselor. It takes guts to trust a total stranger with your innermost thoughts and secrets. I don’t take that trust for granted. I love being a part of the cathartic process in which someone gains self-awareness and becomes ready to make positive changes in their life.

Fancy: What sparked your interest in behavioral psychology?

Cheron: My family, honestly. I wanted to understand the dynamics that plagued my family. I have a family history of addiction and mental illness that was not discussed or addressed. As a child, I did not understand the symptoms and behaviors I saw. My family used words like “touched,” “off,” “special,” and “crazy.” As I became older, I wanted a better understanding of these behaviors and how I could help my family.

Fancy: Tell us more about your “Unfriending Your Inner Critic” workshop.

Cheron: Yes, one of my favorite topics! Unfriending Your Inner Critic is a 3-hour interactive workshop geared toward assisting you to understand the role of your Inner Critic, identifying your specific Inner Critic Voice, and assisting you with implementing practical strategies to overcome the critical voice and live your wildest dreams, pursue your passion and walk in your purpose.

Fancy: What’s one way to battle the Inner Critic?

Cheron: There are seven types of Inner Critic voices. The first step in addressing your inner critic is to understand which voice speaks to you and understand how the voice became a part of you. Once you know who is speaking to you and how this voice became a part of you, you will be provided with specific methods to address your specific inner critic voice.

Fancy: I’m sure your work takes a toll on you. How do you find balance and not take on the energy of others?

Cheron: Whew! Yes, great question. Through meditation and intentionality, I have learned how to leave my concerns at the office. I meditate at the start of my day and the end of my workday.

I work out, read, dance, and play hide and seek with my son. He cannot hide yall!

Fancy: Who is Cheron outside of work?

Cheron: Mommy duties are a high priority. My son takes up most of my non-working time. When I am not working or being a mommy, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and my sweetie. Cheron: More workshops, more workshops! I want to help people free themselves from that inner critic voice that is keeping them from manifesting their dreams. I also plan to continue providing individual therapy as well. However, I am extending my focus to increasing my access to my workshops. I hope to see you at one of them.

I also am working on an Inner Critic card deck to assist parents in talking with their children about self-worth, selfcompassion, and positive self-talk.

Connect with Cheron below.

Website: www.magnifymeconsulting.com Instagram: @theinnercritictherapist Facebook: MEexpectations