Meet Dr. Tameka

My style is collaborative and client centered. My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you are able to be your authentic self, while exploring your thoughts, feelings, hopes, and struggles. I approach each client with respect, cultural sensitivity, and empathic support. Ultimately, my intention is to help you find a home within yourself that leads to greater self-acceptance, inner wisdom, self-compassion and wholeness. I believe that we are each equipped with internal tools needed to overcome life challenges, but often need assistance to recognize the inner strength we possess. I strive to help clients identify and reclaim these inherent strengths in order to move forward with greater fulfillment in life.

I recognize the importance of attending to culture and the socio-political history of a people, as it relates to pain, suffering and distress. As a culturally aware and trauma informed clinician, I do not ask, “what is wrong with you?” Instead, I want to know “what happened to you?” and (in marginalized communities) “What happened to your people, and what continues to happen?” Helping clients see the connection between oppression and mental health is a core value within my work. 

I pay attention to the "stories" we tell ourselves. We ALL have "stories" that we use to define ourselves and our subsequent interactions. Often times these "stories" have been influenced by messages we have received from family, friends, media, and society at large. These "stories" often limit our ability to see ourselves in our fullest and best light, causing us to feel a sense of "stuckness" or  "inadequacy". Somewhere along the line you may have come to accept these "stories" as a set of unchangeable facts, leaving you with little sense of hope that life can be changed in a way that feels more fulfilling to you. Within therapy, we will work to rewrite portions of your story to be more congruent with the life you desire and the truth of who you are at your core. My hope is that as you take control of the pen and write your own story, you will awaken a greater sense of authenticity and connection to your inherent gifts.

I know what it’s like to “sit on the couch.” I can recall the first time I worked up the nerve to make calls to find a counselor. I’m all too familiar with the “butterflies in your stomach” feeling as you walk into your first session, and are asked to bare your soul to a complete stranger. I also know the powerful feeling of relief that comes when you can finally exhale and allow your soul to be heard and witnessed by a therapist. My own journey in therapy helped me to uncover negative patterns, understand factors that contributed to self-doubt, empowered me to make necessary shifts to get unstuck and to ultimately discover greater love and trust within myself. Even now, there are times that I have to revisit old wounds that may get triggered and block me from living fully. At times, I still find myself needing to push through feelings of self doubt. However, healing is a lifelong process and as we become more aware of ourselves, we are better able to recognize when shifts are necessary and when increased support is needed. I am still a work in progress (and always will be), but I’ve learned how to love myself from a place of grace and radical self-acceptance. It would be an honor to accompany you on a similar path of self-discovery towards wholeness and healing.