I am Dr. Tee, a licensed clinical social worker with a Doctor of Social Work degree from Simmons University. With 25 years of experience in the field of social work, I have a diverse background that includes significant work in criminal justice as a probation/parole officer and more recent experience as an intervention specialist. In my current roles, I am the CEO of your private practice, Renewing Minds, Restoring Hope, and the co-founder of Riley Hatch Consulting. I am dedicated to helping African American women, and others, navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, and the complexities of everyday life through a holistic and solution-focused approach. My work is deeply rooted in both mental health and social justice, allowing me to provide comprehensive care that addresses both individual and societal factors impacting your clients' well-being.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

What to Expect in Your First Therapy Session Your first therapy session is an important step toward addressing your mental health and well-being. It's natural to feel a mix of emotions—curiosity, nervousness, or even relief—as you begin this journey. Here's what you can expect during that initial session: We’ll start with a warm welcome. I’ll introduce myself, share a bit about my background, and explain how our sessions will generally flow. This is also a time for you to ask any initial questions you may have about the therapy process. The first session is all about getting to know you and understanding why you've decided to seek therapy. We’ll talk about what brought you here, whether it's specific challenges like anxiety or depression, or a general sense of wanting to improve your mental health. Together, we'll begin to outline your goals for therapy—what you hope to achieve or change in your life. Additionally, I’ll ask you some questions about your personal history, current circumstances, and any relevant experiences that may inform our work together. This could include topics like your work, relationships, past mental health experiences, and coping mechanisms. This information helps me understand your unique situation and tailor our sessions to your needs. Futhermore, We’ll discuss how therapy works, including confidentiality, session frequency, and what you can expect moving forward. I’ll explain my approach to therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and how it might be applied to your specific situation. Finally, the first session is a safe space for you to share your thoughts and feelings. There’s no pressure to disclose everything at once—this is the beginning of a journey, and we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. My priority is to create an environment where you feel comfortable, supported, and heard. At the end of the session, we’ll talk about the next steps. This includes scheduling future appointments, discussing any homework or reflection exercises, and setting short-term goals to focus on before our next meeting. You’ll leave the session with a clearer idea of the path we’ll take together. I encourage an open dialogue throughout our time together, starting from this first session. If you have any questions, concerns, or thoughts during or after the session, you’re always welcome to share them with me. Therapy is a collaborative process, and your input is invaluable. Starting therapy is a courageous step, and I’m here to

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My greatest strength as a provider is my deep understanding of the intersection between mental health and social justice, particularly my ability to connect with clients on a meaningful level. This unique blend of expertise allows me to approach therapy with a holistic perspective, addressing not only the individual’s mental health needs but also the broader societal factors that may impact their well-being. My ability to create a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for clients, combined with your focus on solution-oriented strategies, empowers them to overcome challenges and achieve personal growth.

About Tara Riley