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Empowering Youth to Find Their Voice and Lead with Purpose

Culturally responsive, trauma-informed behavioral health education that transforms how young people see themselves and speak their power.

Apply for a Pilot Program
Book a School Presentation

What is Going Beyond the Couch?

The Challenges We Solve

The Reality: Most students who need mental health support never access traditional therapy due to cost, stigma, waitlists, and availability barriers.

For Girls

67% of Black girls report feeling unsupported in schools. Nearly 3 in 5 teen girls experience persistent sadness. Cultural silencing, body image pressures, and identity struggles leave girls feeling voiceless and invisible.

for girls
boys huddle

For Boys

Boys face harmful stereotypes about masculinity that discourage emotional expression and vulnerability. They're taught to "man up" rather than process feelings, leading to aggression, isolation, and mental health challenges going unaddressed.

Our Solution

Going Beyond the Couch is a behavioral health education company specializing in culturally responsive, trauma-informed programming for youth and adults. The company offers programs that are evidence-based SEL curriculums that bring therapeutic principles directly into the school day. This is NOT therapy. It's educational programming informed by proven clinical approaches adapted specifically for school settings.
Through our flagship programs, Speak Your Power Nowâ„¢ (voice recovery for girls and women) and Life in The Huddleâ„¢ (leadership development for boys and young men), we provide schools, organizations, and communities with evidence-based tools to build confidence, communication, and authentic self-expression.

Founded by Dr. Cheryl A. Clarke and Dr. Gregory Clarke Sr., we bring 30+ years of combined mental health and educational expertise to transform how young people see themselves and speak their power.
We don't just teach social-emotional skills. We facilitate deep voice recovery and identity healing using evidence-based methods that create lasting change.

What Makes Us Different

Evidence-Based Methods
Integrates principles from behavioral health: Cognitive Behavioral approaches and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy
Integrates principles from education: Evidence-Based Instructional Practices Standards-Aligned Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Emphasizes practical tools students can use immediately. Supports measurable growth in: Communication, Emotional regulation, Self-awareness,
Decision-making
Culturally Responsive
Specifically designed to address cultural silencing experienced by BIPOC students
Gender-Specific + Comprehensive
Separate programs for girls AND boys addressing unique developmental needs
Scalable Delivery
Can be delivered by trained educators, counselors, or our team—sustainable beyond Year 1
Measurable Outcomes
Pre/post assessments track confidence, emotional regulation, peer relationships, and academic engagement

Core Programs

Comprehensive SEL support for your entire student community

Girl, YOU Cute
For Girls & Young Women (Ages 8-18)
Voice Recovery Program using the V.O.I.C.E. Frameworkâ„¢
  • Addresses cultural silencing, body image, identity development
  • Uses Mirror Methodâ„¢ for self-perception transformation
  • Evidence-based: CBT, SFBT, IFS, trauma-informed care
  • Age-appropriate curricula (elementary, middle, high school)
  • Measurable outcomes in confidence, voice, peer relationships
Format Options: 8-week, 12-week, or 30-week (full academic year)

Group Size: 8-12 students per group

Girl, You Cute
Life in The Huddleâ„¢
Life in The Huddle
For Boys & Young Men (Ages 8-18)

Empowerment Program using the H.U.D.D.L.E. Frameworkâ„¢

  • Develops healthy masculinity and emotional intelligence
  • Focuses on identity, leadership, and communication skills
  • Addresses stereotypes and cultural expectations
  • Age-appropriate curricula (elementary, middle, high school)
  • Creates brotherhood and positive peer connections
Format Options: 8-week, 12-week, or 30-week (full academic year)

Group Size: 8-12 students per group

Complete School Solution

Implement BOTH programs to serve your entire student community comprehensively

Learn about the Pilot Program

Pilot School Partnership Program

LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

We're seeking 3-5 pioneering schools to implement our core programs
as a pilot launch for the 2026-2027 school year.

Reduced Investment
Pilot schools receive significantly reduced pricing in exchange for participation in outcome evaluation
Full Implementation Support
Our team delivers all sessions, trains your staff, and provides ongoing consultation throughout the pilot
Comprehensive Assessment
Pre/post data collection, progress monitoring, and detailed outcome reports at no additional cost
Priority Partnership
Pilot schools become featured partners and receive priority for future program expansion
Apply for Pilot PARTNERSHIP

How Implementation Works

From consultation to measurable outcomes in 5 clear steps

STEP 1
Free Consultation
We assess your school's needs, student demographics, and SEL goals
STEP 2
Customized Proposal
Receive detailed plan with pricing, timeline, logistics, and expected outcomes
STEP 3
Staff Training
We prepare your counselors/educators (or our team delivers program directly)
STEP 4
Program Launch
8-30 weeks of evidence-based sessions with ongoing support and monitoring
STEP 5
Outcome Reports
Comprehensive data on student progress, behavior changes, and program impact

Implementation Options

Full-Service Delivery
Our team delivers all program sessions at your school
Train-the-Trainer
We certify your staff to deliver the curriculum independently
Hybrid Model
Co-facilitation with gradual transition to your team

Bring Us to Your School

Professional development, parent workshops, and student assemblies available

School Assembly
45-60 minutes

For Students: 

  • "Girl, You Cute" - Empowerment assembly for girls 
  • "Life in The Huddle" - Leadership assembly for boys 
  • Interactive, age-appropriate, inspiring

Perfect for: Mental Health Awareness Month, Women's History Month, School Culture Events

Parent Workshop
60-90 minutes

For Parents/Caregivers:

  • Understanding cultural silencing in children
  • Supporting voice development at home
  • Recognizing mental health warning signs
  • Building confidence and identity

Perfect for: PTA Meetings, Family Engagement Nights, Back-to-School Events

Professional Development
Half-day or Full-day

For Educators/Staff:

  • Trauma-informed approaches to student behavior
  • Cultural responsiveness in SEL programming
  • Voice recovery strategies for classrooms
  • CEU credits available

Perfect for: Professional Development Days, Staff Training, District-Wide Initiatives

Speaking Engagement Inquiry

Contact us to discuss availability, topics, and pricing for your school or district event

Request Information

Meet Our Founders

Clinical expertise meets educational experience

A husband-and-wife team integrating clinical insight with educational practice to deliver evidence-based SEL programs. Our approach applies therapeutic principles through educational delivery—focused on empowerment, not therapy.
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Dr. Cheryl A. Clarke, LMFT, PhD

Co-Founder
Creator of "Girl, You Cute"

  • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
  • PhD, Organizational Leadership 
  • MS, Mental Health Counseling 
  • 15+ years clinical experience 
  • Trained in IFS, CBT, SFBT, trauma-informed care 
  • Author: "Girl, You Cute"  (2025)

coach greg headshot
Dr. Gregory Clarke Sr., MS.Ed, DMin

Co-Founder
Creator of "Life in The Huddle"

  • Master of Science in Education
  • Youth development specialist
  • Educational program design expert
  • Mentorship and leadership focus
  • Culturally responsive education advocate

Let's Start the Conversation

Ready to transform SEL at your school?

Whether you're interested in our pilot program, booking a speaking engagement, or exploring partnership opportunities, we're here to help.

Serving NYC Metro Area | Expanding Nationally | Virtual Programming Available