Hidden Gems: Meet Tamika Grimes of Tamika Grimes Counseling & Consulting

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamika Grimes.

Hi Tamika, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I often say that I didn’t choose my career—my career chose me. I grew up in a loving single-parent home, surrounded by care and support from relatives who made sure I always felt protected. At the same time, many of my extended family members struggled with addiction. Because of that, I was exposed at a young age to grief, loss, and domestic violence. Those early experiences deeply shaped me. Instead of pulling me into that cycle, they awakened something in me—a desire to understand, to heal, and to change the environment not just for myself, but for others too.

That calling led me to Francis Marion University, where I majored in Sociology with a minor in Psychology. After graduating, I began my career working in the field of addiction, serving individuals and families during some of their most vulnerable moments. During that time, I earned multiple professional certifications, obtained my licensure as a Professional Counselor, and completed two additional degrees. Each step reinforced my passion for advocacy, mental health, and empowerment.

Today, I am honored to serve full-time as a high school counselor, where I support students through academic planning, personal challenges, and life transitions. In addition, I work part-time as a therapist and clinical supervisor, providing counseling services and guiding future clinicians as they work toward licensure. My journey has come full circle—from being impacted by trauma to helping others heal, grow, and thrive. It is both my purpose and my privilege to do this work.

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?
No, the road has not been easy at all—but I truly believe that anything worth having or working toward rarely comes easily. Along the way, I’ve had to navigate significant health challenges, the demands of parenting, and the emotional weight that comes with both. I’ve also faced the uncertainty of relocating to another state and learning how to adapt within different work environments, each with its own challenges and lessons.

One of the most important turning points for me was learning how to establish boundaries and create a healthy work–life balance. That shift allowed me to protect my peace while still serving others at a high level. I also leaned heavily on my support system—family, close friends, and mentors—and most importantly, on my faith in God. Through every obstacle, my faith has grounded me, strengthened me, and reminded me of my purpose. Every struggle has shaped me into both the professional and the person I am today.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business, Tamika Grimes Counseling & Clinical Supervision, was created out of both purpose and passion. I provide individual therapy, group and individual clinical supervision, consultation, and professional development support—especially for school counselors and helping professionals who are working toward licensure as Professional Counselors. My unique background as both a full-time high school counselor and a Licensed Professional Counselor allows me to serve clients and clinicians from a place of real-world experience, clinical excellence, and deep understanding of the systems they work in every day.

What I specialize in is helping people navigate life transitions, stress, boundaries, burnout, identity, and healing from trauma—while also walking alongside emerging clinicians as they grow into confident, ethical, and prepared professionals. I am especially known for supporting school counselors who are pursuing LPC licensure, demystifying the process, and providing supervision that is not only educational but empowering and affirming. I strive to make supervision and therapy feel approachable, structured, and supportive—not intimidating.

What truly sets my brand apart is the heart behind it. I don’t just help people “check boxes”—I help them build sustainable careers and healthy lives. I lead with authenticity, faith, and integrity, and I believe in meeting people exactly where they are while still holding them to high standards. I am deeply committed to boundaries, balance, and wellness in a profession that often struggles with burnout. My goal is to model what a healthy, purpose-driven career can look like.

Brand-wise, I am most proud that my business has become a trusted space for both healing and professional growth. My clients know that they are seen, supported, and challenged in the best way. My supervisees know they are receiving guidance that is ethical, intentional, and aligned with who they are becoming—not just what they are trying to earn.

I want readers to know that my brand is rooted in impact, not just income. Whether someone is seeking therapy, supervision, or career guidance, they are entering a space built on compassion, excellence, faith, and real-life experience. This is more than a business to me—it is a calling, and I am honored every day to walk alongside people as they heal, grow, and step into their purpose.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
There are truly so many people who have played a meaningful role in both my personal and professional journey. First and foremost, my husband has been my greatest champion. When I struggled with doubt or felt overwhelmed, he pushed me to keep going—especially during my Master’s program and Specialist degree when I considered quitting more than once. He not only encouraged me emotionally, but also sacrificed financially, helping pay for several classes and certifications so I could continue advancing in the counseling field. His belief in me never wavered, even when mine did.

My village has also shown up in powerful ways. My mom, who lives close by, has been an incredible source of support with our three daughters—especially during the most demanding seasons of graduate school. My dad, aunts, and close friends have also stepped in with childcare, encouragement, and constant reminders that I was not walking this journey alone. Their support made it possible for me to pursue my calling without carrying the weight alone.

Professionally, I am deeply grateful for the mentors, clinical supervisors, and professors who poured into me along the way. They challenged me, stretched me, advocated for me, and helped shape the clinician and leader I am today. Many of them saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself. Every success I celebrate today is truly a reflection of the village that carried, supported, and believed in me—and I will always honor that.

Pricing:

• I accept most insurance
• For clinical supervision please email me

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/tamika-grimes-snellville-ga/315826
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamikahgrimes?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZnlnOGRvY3ZreGJl
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamika.grimes
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamika0214/
• Other: https://tamikagrimes.com/

Image Credits
https://www.instagram.com/rhaynacphotography/?hl=en