Today we’d like to introduce you to Taitánna Moore.
Hi Taitánna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was led to counseling by trying to escape a darkness brought on by a personal and professional struggle. In 2016, I found myself not knowing who I was, what I wanted and feeling stuck in my line of work. I had spent years trying to force a childhood dream that was no longer giving. I had 8 Physician Assistant and Nursing program rejection letters to prove it. As a mom I had poured everything into caring for my kids and completely neglected myself and my needs. I was very much going through life on autopilot. This led me on a journey to reconnect with myself and find work that I could be passionate about.
After months of being wrapped up in my thoughts and feelings with little progress, I realized I needed an unbiased opinion. Someone who could challenge my thoughts and help me process and gain a better understanding of everything I was experiencing. I shared this need with a friend who suggested counseling. Our conversation sparked my curiosity and I started to research therapist and the field. Growing up in a black family, therapy was never talked about and so it was never an option I considered despite my fascination with the mind and emotions of people: how they think, why they make the decisions they do, what motivates their interactions with others. The more I researched the more I became filled with excitement and I felt called to the field. I wanted to be what I needed then and what I needed years ago but never considered.
Fast forward to 2018 I started my Masters Program at Mercer University. Graduate school created ample opportunities for self-reflection and discovery. While there, I finally started my own personal counseling. Which was such a privilege and made a huge difference in my mental and emotional health. In 2020 I graduated with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I started out working for a behavioral health hospital. Four months after graduating, I landed a job in private practice. I have spent the last two and half years with Foundation Counseling growing my craft and knowledge as a therapist. I feel like I am fulfilling my purpose and doing meaningful work. I have also had opportunities to expand my therapeutic presence by speaking on panels and partnering with the local high school to provide services to students and their families. My ultimate goal is to open and operate my own private practice, Infinitely You Counseling.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Things were not smooth nor easy but I never expected it to be. In this season of my life the challenge was facing myself. From childhood, I created a plan for my life, beliefs, stories and ways to cope in order to protect myself. The problem was they were all based in fear and limiting me in so many ways. This journey taught me that adapting as an adult means facing those fears and creating new narratives to fit where I am in life. It pushed me into a vulnerable and uncomfortable space while also yielding great life lessons.
The two biggest lessons I learned were to be open to change and that vulnerability is not weakness.
Organization was key to managing each facet of my life and feeling like I was present and giving it what I could. Not wanting to or being able to solely survive on school refunds, I had to find another way to bring in income. I was introduced to being an ESL online teacher. This allowed me the flexibility to make my own schedule while also allowing me to be present for my kids and school. To be financially stable, I worked for four different ESL companies while also being a PRN Phlebotomist while I completed my program. I had everything planned by the hour, including meals, sleeping and rest. While it was tiring and required sacrifice, it also provided much-needed structure and I believe made it possible for me to survive those two years with my sanity intact.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a fully License Professional Counselor at Foundation Counseling. I provide talk therapy to individuals and couples ages 17 and up. Most of the populations I serve include moms, young adults, those experiencing life transitions, women’s issues, sex therapy and relationship issues. I am not limited to those populations. I also have experience working with people dealing with depression, anxiety, self-harming and suicidal thoughts, anger issues and family issues.
Infinitely You Counseling is my personal business that I am building. It is a labor of love for me because I am creating a space where people can feel safe to be themselves and be seen as the whole person they are and not for a single version or facet of themselves. I know personally and professionally the difference it makes for someone to embrace and love every part of themselves and not feel like they need to fit into a specific mold determined by society, family or past experiences.
It’s important to know that therapists are not a one size fits all. Sometimes you have to try a few to find someone you vibe with and feel comfortable sharing your story. Please do not be discouraged if the first person was not a good match. It could be that their therapy style, therapeutic orientation or personality wasn’t the right fit for you. It’s ok to call a few and ask questions before deciding who you want to sit down and meet.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
All the time spent with my cousins in Alabama. We typically only saw them during the holidays and every summer until I was in the 4th grade. Each day felt like an adventure. We were encouraged to stay outside until the street lights came on. We would spend hours outside picking blackberries in the field, walking to the candy lady’s house to by freeze cups, always making it back to the house in time to watch All My Children and sneaking out of church early. Ahhh, those were the good ole days. Free of responsibility other than looking out for each other and it was safe to roam and be a kid.
Pricing:
- $140/50 minute session
- sliding scale offered
- I accept Cigna insurance
Contact Info:
