(she/her)
I am a licensed clinical social worker and addiction counselor with extensive experience providing therapeutic services to individuals experiencing trauma, substance use disorders, and co-occurring mental health conditions. With a strong commitment to culturally responsive and trauma-informed care, she works with diverse populations to help clients understand the underlying factors contributing to emotional distress and behavioral challenges. My clinical approach focuses on empowering clients to recognize their strengths while developing practical strategies for healing and recovery. She integrates evidence-based practices, experiential interventions, and somatic awareness techniques to support individuals in processing complex trauma and building healthier coping mechanisms. Her work emphasizes creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where clients can explore difficult experiences, increase emotional awareness, and develop meaningful pathways toward personal growth. Throughout her career, Liggons has worked with individuals from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, recognizing the importance of understanding cultural identity, systemic influences, and community dynamics in the healing process. She is dedicated to helping clients engage actively in their recovery by fostering resilience, improving interpersonal relationships, and supporting long-term emotional wellness.
The first session with Toya Liggons is designed to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment where clients can begin sharing their experiences and goals for therapy. This initial meeting focuses on building trust, understanding the client’s concerns, and establishing a foundation for the therapeutic relationship. Getting to Know You During the first session, I will spend time learning about you as a person. This may include discussing: Your reasons for seeking therapy Current challenges or stressors Past experiences that may be impacting your emotional well-being Your personal goals for therapy and recovery Clients are encouraged to share at their own pace. There is no pressure to disclose everything at once. Discussing Background and History The session may include questions about important areas of your life such as: Mental health history Trauma or difficult life experiences Substance use history if applicable Family relationships and support systems
I am a trauma-informed therapist who brings compassion, cultural awareness, and clinical expertise to her work with clients experiencing trauma, addiction, and mental health challenges. She creates a safe and supportive environment where clients feel respected and empowered to explore their experiences. My strengths include building strong therapeutic relationships, using a strengths-based and culturally responsive approach, and integrating experiential and somatic techniques to help clients connect with their emotions. Toya also has extensive experience in addiction treatment and supports clients in developing practical coping skills, improving relationships, and sustaining long-term recovery.
I work best with individuals who are seeking meaningful change and are willing to engage in the therapeutic process to improve their emotional well-being and recovery. Her ideal client is someone who may be struggling with trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties but is motivated to explore the underlying causes of their experiences and develop healthier coping strategies. Many of the clients she works with have experienced complex trauma, life stressors, or patterns of maladaptive relationships that impact their ability to function emotionally and relationally. These individuals may feel overwhelmed, disconnected from their emotions, or unsure how to move forward in their healing process. They often have insight into their struggles but need support, structure, and guidance to apply the skills necessary for lasting change. My ideal client is open to self-reflection and willing to participate in both traditional and experiential therapeutic approaches. This includes exploring emotional awareness, learning to regulate difficult feelings, and addressing the impact of trauma on the mind and body. Clients who benefit most from her approach are those who are ready to move beyond survival patterns and begin building healthier relationships, stronger coping mechanisms, and a more balanced sense of self. She also works effectively with individuals from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and strives to provide culturally responsive care that respects each client’s identity, experiences, and values. Her therapeutic work supports clients in reclaiming their voice, building resilience, and creating sustainable paths toward recovery and personal growth.
Trauma Informed Care
Toya Liggons, LCSW, LCADC, is a trauma-informed therapist who works with individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds to address complex trauma. Her therapeutic approach emphasizes empowerment, strengths-based treatment, and culturally responsive practices that help clients engage in meaningful healing processes. Her work focuses on helping clients identify their internal strengths while creating a safe, nonjudgmental space for emotional exploration and recovery.
Experiential Therapy
Experiential therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on helping clients process emotions, trauma, and behavioral patterns through direct experience rather than only through discussion. This method allows clients to engage emotionally and physically in the therapeutic process, helping them access deeper feelings that may be difficult to articulate verbally. In the work of Toya Liggons, experiential therapy is used to support clients who struggle with trauma, addiction, emotional regulation, and interpersonal challenges. Many individuals with complex trauma or substance use disorders intellectualize their experiences but have difficulty connecting with their emotions. Experiential interventions help bridge this gap by engaging clients in activities that promote emotional awareness and personal insight.