LCSW, 16 years of experience
New to Grow
Hello, I'm Tanya, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Missouri-St. Louis School of Social Work, class of 2010. Born and raised on the west side of St. Louis city, I bring a deep understanding and connection to the community I serve. My focus is on supporting women through all stages of life and interpersonal growth, individuals with mental health diagnoses, those grappling with past experiences, and those facing relationship and work-related challenges.
Our first session is focused on building comfort and trust. I’ll ask about what brought you in, what you’re hoping to work on, and what has (or hasn’t) worked in past support systems. We move at your pace—you don’t have to share everything right away. I want to understand who you are, not just what you’re struggling with. Together, we’ll start identifying patterns, priorities, and possible goals. You’ll leave feeling heard, supported, and with a better sense of what healing could look like for you.
My greatest strengths are my ability to integrate evidence-based clinical approaches with a trauma- and attachment-informed lens, and to build authentic, collaborative relationships with clients and colleagues. I draw on advanced training in CBT, CPT, EMDR, IFS, and Sensory Psychomotor Psychotherapy, which allows me to tailor care to diverse needs—from trauma and grief to family systems and adjustment issues. I also bring the perspective of an LCSW with an MBA, which strengthens my skills in professional development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and clinical leadership. Across military, medical, and community settings, I’ve consistently demonstrated the ability to deliver compassionate, outcome-driven care while also mentoring staff and supporting organizational goals.
The best therapeutic partnership is one where the client is goal-oriented, introspective, and ready to embrace support for change. Together, we will explore your current situation, identify where you want to be, and create a plan to help you grow and achieve your goals. My approach is collaborative and supportive, ensuring that you feel empowered throughout your journey.
I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) into my practice as a trauma- and attachment-informed framework that helps clients understand and work with the different “parts” of themselves. Drawing on my experience in military, medical, and community mental health settings, I use IFS to guide clients in identifying protective parts, accessing exiled or wounded parts, and strengthening the Self as a compassionate leader. This approach has been particularly effective in treating trauma, grief, relational conflict, and codependency, as it fosters self-awareness, reduces shame, and builds internal harmony. I often pair IFS with EMDR, CBT, or sensory-based interventions to create a holistic, evidence-based treatment plan that supports both emotional regulation and long-term healing.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a structured, evidence-based framework to help clients identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns that drive emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. In both military and community settings, CBT has been especially effective for treating depression, anxiety, and trauma-related concerns. I regularly incorporate cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and skills practice between sessions to promote measurable progress. I also use standardized assessments like the PHQ-9, GAD-7, and PCL-5 to track outcomes and adjust interventions. My CBT approach emphasizes collaboration, psychoeducation, and goal-oriented treatment planning, ensuring that clients develop practical coping strategies they can apply in daily life.