About

Shades of Resilience Counseling is committed to eliminating mental health stigma in Black, Indigenous & People of Color communities by implementing a unique and holistic approach to therapy. We offer individual and group therapy sessions which include utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Therapy methods to help people of color reclaim their resilience to dismantle the negative thought and behavior patterns that are holding them back from engaging in meaningful work, creating healthy relationships, and living happy more fulfilling lives.

Resilience looks different for everyone. Let’s work together to find the hidden reserves of Courage and Resilience within You.

Hi there!

I’m Tracy and I’m really glad you’re here. I know this can be a vulnerable and difficult process to find the right support.

I’d like to share a little personal information about myself with you.

My parents immigrated from Jamaica before I was born. My home life was one of a traditional West Indian family where specific values and beliefs were instilled and certain expectations were placed. Most of my lived experiences were quite different from others who share the same race as me yet similar to others from different ethnic groups.

My first attempt at counseling didn’t go well at all. So bad, that I allowed several years to pass before giving it a second try. The second time my therapist was a Black female. My experience with her was the complete opposite because this time I felt heard and seen. The support and validation I received from her helped me to make some necessary changes in my life which led me to my “I finally found my purpose in life” moment…To be here for you!

So why am I sharing this with you?

As you explore your options (and you should) to find a therapist that is the right fit for you I want you to know that although I can’t fully understand your lived experiences, I can understand why there’s the stigma associated with mental health among communities of color.  But I also know what it feels like to be on the “other side” of counseling. So, my commitment to you is to provide you with the same quality of service and level of respect I desired and eventually received while on my own personal journey.

My Approach

I have over 25 years of experience in the helping profession working in various capacities. However, I have shifted my focus to specifically supporting the unique needs of people of color. I will use various techniques to teach strategies and skills that are culturally responsive.

Establishing good rapport is a must for any client-counselor relationship to work. Therefore, I take a person-centered, non-authoritative, approach in my work with clients. I’m considered to have more of a relaxed style in my communication and delivery of services (which may include the occasional use of humor as appropriate). Laughter is one of my favorite forms of therapy.

In our work together, I want you to feel like you’re just having a conversation in a safe space where you feel comfortable enough to share your innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. My goal is to help you to develop a better understanding of your place in the world and feel confident in yourself and in your abilities to make informed decisions that are best for you to navigate your life.

But more importantly, I want you to know that you will be doing the work and that you are the one in control of the process. My job is to simply walk alongside you serving as your guide throughout the process.

I can’t promise or guarantee specific results or outcomes. But I can guarantee that I will always show up as my authentic self, someone who’s there for you and prepared to listen to you and be attentive to your needs.

 

Education

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2019, Capella University – Minneapolis, MN

MS in Human Services, 2002 Springfield College – Springfield, MA

BS in Psychology, 1995 Springfield College – Springfield, MA

License & Certifications

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Associate
  • National Certified Counselor
  •  Board Certified Telemental Health Professional
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) trained
  • Certified Trauma Professional
  • Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher (in training)

Areas of Specialty

  • BIPOC communities
  • Relationship Issues
  • Attachment Issues
  • Trauma (childhood experiences, sexual abuse, race-based)
  • Mindfulness-Based Therapy