LICSW, 2 years of experience
New to Grow
I’m Jonaï McCoy, LICSW and the founder of HEAL with [joe-nay]. With over 10 years of experience as a social worker and doing therapuetic work, I specialize in supporting Black women who are navigating life transitions, grief, anxiety, and challenges with self-worth. My approach is warm, collaborative, and culturally affirming. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and a strength-based perspective to help clients identify unhelpful patterns, manage emotions, and build healthier ways of coping. Together, we work to shift from survival mode to a place of restoration and balance—where you can show up as your full, authentic self. I believe healing looks different for everyone. Whether you’re grieving a loved one, adjusting to a new chapter, or simply trying to find peace in the midst of overwhelm, therapy with me offers space to process, reflect, and grow at your own pace. My goal is to help you reconnect with your resilience, strengthen your boundaries, and rediscover the parts of yourself that deserve gentleness and care.
In our first session, you can expect a warm and welcoming space where you can simply be. We’ll take time to get to know each other and talk about what’s bringing you to therapy—no pressure, no judgment. I’ll ask questions to better understand your story, your goals, and what healing looks like for you. This session is less about “fixing” things and more about building a foundation of trust. You’ll have the opportunity to share at your own pace, and I’ll explain what therapy with me looks like, including the approaches I use and how we can work together to create meaningful change. My goal is for you to leave our first session feeling seen, supported, and hopeful about what’s possible—knowing you’ve taken an important step toward healing.
My greatest strengths as a therapist are my ability to create a space that feels safe, affirming, and real. I meet my clients where they are—with compassion, curiosity, and zero judgment. What stands out about my approach is how I blend evidence-based methods like CBT and DBT with a holistic, strength-based lens that centers the lived experiences of Black women and women of color. I help clients move beyond just “getting through” life and guide them toward deeper healing—emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. My sessions are intentional and reflective, allowing space for both vulnerability and growth. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, I tailor therapy to each person’s unique story, values, and cultural background. Clients often share that our work together helps them feel lighter, more self-aware, and more at peace. I see therapy as a partnership—one that helps you unlearn survival mode, strengthen your boundaries, and rediscover your capacity for joy, rest, and balance.
I’m best positioned to serve Black women and women of color who are ready to do the inner work of healing—but may feel tired, disconnected, or unsure where to start. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling stuck between who they’ve had to be and who they truly want to become. They’re often navigating grief, anxiety, life transitions, or the pressure to always be “the strong one.” My work is for women who are ready to unlearn survival mode and begin building lives that feel softer, more balanced, and more aligned with their values. Whether you’re processing loss, setting boundaries, or learning to extend compassion to yourself, I offer a culturally affirming space to help you explore your emotions without judgment. I’m passionate about helping clients shift from simply coping to truly healing—reconnecting with their inner strength, peace, and sense of purpose.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect—especially when life feels heavy. Together, we work to unlearn survival mode, challenge negative self-talk, and build new patterns rooted in self-compassion and strength. My approach blends CBT with a holistic, culturally affirming lens so you can heal in a way that feels real, safe, and true to you.messages, build emotional awareness, and move from self-criticism to self-compassion. My goal is to create a space where you can unlearn survival mode and embrace a softer, more intentional way of being.
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help Black women and women of color find balance—between strength and softness, control and acceptance. Together, we focus on building emotional awareness, learning healthy ways to cope, and improving communication in relationships. My approach blends DBT with a holistic, culturally grounded perspective so you can feel empowered to regulate emotions, set boundaries, and show up as your whole self—without losing your peace.
I take a strength-based approach that focuses on what’s already working within you. So often we, especially Black women, are taught to survive, not to rest in their own power. In our work together, we shift that narrative—honoring your resilience while creating space for softness, joy, and healing. I help you recognize the strengths you already carry, build on them, and learn new ways to care for yourself mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Grief isn’t something to “get over”—it’s something we learn to move through. I support clients as they navigate loss in all its forms: the loss of a loved one, a relationship, or even an old version of themselves. My approach is gentle, culturally affirming, and grounded in the belief that healing is not linear. Together, we honor your grief, make room for your emotions, and help you rediscover peace, purpose, and connection—one moment at a time.