(504) 452-5937
(504) 452-5937

(504) 452-5937

Education

M.A., Marriage & Family Therapy
University of Louisiana Monroe, 2024

B.B.A., Marketing
University of Louisiana Monroe, 2024

AAMFT - LGBTQIA Guidelines

Sheryl Ford

Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor and a Provisional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

I am Sheryl Ford, a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor and Provisional Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. My work centers on trauma therapy and nervous system regulation. I believe healing begins when you feel safe, supported, and genuinely understood, and it is a privilege to walk alongside individuals and couples as they process the experiences that have shaped their lives.

I specialize in relational, sexual, and religious trauma, as well as complex histories that affect intimacy, boundaries, and emotional safety. Whether I am working with couples in conflict, blended families seeking clarity, or individuals untangling painful patterns, I bring compassion, steadiness, and thoughtful directness to the work.

I am trained in EMDR and Gottman Couples Therapy and am a sex therapy informed clinician. I integrate these approaches with family systems and contextual therapy to create a personalized path toward meaningful change. My focus is not just on coping, but on helping you process what has happened so you can move forward with greater clarity and peace.

I am committed to creating a space that is welcoming and affirming for people of all genders, identities, and life experiences. I am currently completing my remaining licensing requirements and expect to be independently licensed in early summer.

 

Therapy Services

EMDR / Trauma Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a research-supported therapy that helps your brain process painful experiences that still feel “stuck.” Trauma can keep the nervous system in fight, flight, or freeze long after the event is over. EMDR helps your brain reprocess those memories so they no longer trigger overwhelming emotional or physical reactions.

We start by identifying what feels most impactful right now and create a clear, structured plan. Using gentle bilateral stimulation such as guided eye movements or tapping, we support your nervous system in shifting out of survival mode and toward resolution. You stay awake, present, and in control the entire time. You are never pushed to relive more than feels safe or appropriate.

My approach prioritizes nervous system regulation and preparation. We build coping tools first, including grounding skills, mindfulness, and somatic resources, so you feel steady and supported before any deeper processing begins.

For those who prefer a more focused experience, I also offer extended two-hour EMDR sessions. These can allow for greater continuity and, for some clients, a more efficient path toward meaningful change.

Sessions are available in one- and two-hour appointments at $100 per hour.

 

Relationship Therapy

My work with couples focuses on how your relationship patterns are shaped by your histories, your nervous systems, and the stories you both carry into the partnership.

I use the Gottman Method as a foundation, including formal assessments and practical tools backed by decades of research. This helps us move beyond surface arguments and identify the real patterns driving conflict, distance, or frustration. You will gain specific insight into your strengths as a couple and the stress points that need attention.

I also draw from family systems and contextual approaches to explore how family-of-origin dynamics and past experiences influence the way you connect today. When needed, we can thoughtfully address intimacy and sexual concerns, including desire differences, shame, cultural or religious messaging, and the impact of trauma. These conversations are handled with professionalism, clarity, and deep respect for your values and boundaries.

Therapy focuses on breaking destructive cycles, increasing emotional safety, rebuilding trust through accountability and repair, and strengthening friendship and connection. Sessions are active and collaborative. You will leave with practical tools to manage ongoing conflicts and navigate difficult conversations more effectively.

We move at a pace that feels safe and sustainable, not forced.

Appointments are one hour at $100 per session. A one-time $40 Gottman Assessment fee applies after your first appointment.