Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamatha McCoy, MSW.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born in Stamford, Connecticut. I am the only child my mother had. I was in and out of group homes and youth shelters from the age of 15-17 years old. Living in those types of settings with strangers who are basically your “family” temporarily made me feel unloved, unwanted, and abandoned.
As I got older, I began looking for love in all the wrong places, my self-esteem and self-confidence was low to non-existent. If I was told I was pretty, I didn’t believe or it made me vulnerable to be taken advantage of. At the age of 18, I became pregnant with my first child (because I wanted and needed someone to love and to love me), well obviously I couldn’t give or receive love because I didn’t know what it really looked or felt liked, except only what I thought it should look and feel like and I learned later on in my life that all I’ve been through has prepared for the life that God has and continues to bless me with today. I have gained the passion to help and serve others, build their self esteem, confidence, and to feel comfortable in their skin. In this God has allowed me to utilize my passion and gift in an array of populations that range from domestic violence to behavioral health, and I have been working in the Human Service field for over 20 years, I was a high school dropout, that went back to high school at the age of 25, married with 5 children, and graduated Valedictorian, went to University of Bridgeport and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Human Services, and went on to obtain a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University. In 2013, I moved to Georgia from Connecticut and here is where my journey continued.
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?
I’ve experienced many challenges and struggles, my life spiraled out of control at the age of 19, I became a victim of a substance that caused an addiction that I never thought I would recover from. So here I was a high school dropout, a young single mother of two at this point, an addict, hopeless, and defeated. My addiction masked all the lows I was experiencing, I had come to the conclusion that this was my life, I could not see beyond my addiction. However, I knew there had to be something better than this, something other than death. It was at that point I decided I had enough, if I didn’t at least try to get some help, I will die. This was a tough decision for me to make because I have been disappointed so many times, it was hard for me to trust anyone, but it wasn’t just me I had to think about I had 2 small children now, and I’ve already had an open case with The Dept. of Children and Family Services (DCFS) due to my second child being born with cocaine in his system, but thankfully it wasn’t in his bloodstream where he could’ve been addicted or labeled as a “crack baby”.
I was provided a Parent Aide that came out to my home once a week to check on me and my children, provide transportation to their Dr. appointments, etc. It was apparent that I needed more than a Parent Aide., so I contacted the DCFS Worker and told her I needed help that I can’t take care of my children like this. I received a call from the Worker later that evening, stating that she found a bed for me and if I was willing to go she will transport me to the facility, I agreed and took my children to their stay with their father while I was away,. The program helped with the recovery from drugs, but there was a deeper work that needed to be done in order for me to heal emotionally and mentally., and this is where the healing began.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently work as Supervisor with 18 direct reports, as well as a Therapist for a striving private practice. In addition, I volunteer for a non-profit agency that supports foster families. Currently, I am pursuing my LMSW and LCSW (Licensed Master Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Social Worker). What sets me apart from others is that I believe we all possess an inner strength, resiliency, and the ability to self-heal from the challenges that life often times throws our way. I have always been drawn to helping others find and tap into those inner abilities. I have compassion, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach; while working with others, I assist others in developing techniques to manage difficult emotions and communicate needs, furthering self-growth and desired relationships. I strive to show compassion and provide support throughout their journey to personal autonomy. I enjoy empowering and motivating people, letting them know that their past does not define them, to look beyond what is in front of them and believe that they are more than what they were told or believe. The Lord has been my rock and my strength throughout my journey and continues to be.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
As a mother and grandmother, I hope to one day leave a legacy that my children and grandchildren can carry on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.redirectlifecounseling.com
- Instagram: Reginamccoy2556
Image Credits
Makeup: Teresas Richards, Professional Hair and Makeup Artist; Artistrybyteresas.com (M) 678-883-5546 (E)artistrybyteresas@gmail.com (IF/FB) @artistrybyteresas, (YouTube) Artistry By Teresas Photography: Bella Caricari (IG) @beyondthelens_bybells (FB) Beyond the Lens, Hairstylist: Pamela (Pucci) Sims IG:psimshairboutique.
