Today we’d like to introduce you to Tameika Cheek.
Tameika, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story…. “how you started and how you got where you are today” sort of makes me grin and smh because my first thought is that my story isn’t even finished, it’s probably never-ending, and although I’ve come far, it sometimes seems like I’m still starting, and still getting to where I’m going!
I’ve always known that I wanted to have IT ALL and that I could if I wanted to. I’m from Queens, NY, so maybe it’s a hustler’s mentality I have, but I know, even if it takes my whole life to make something happen, I’m going to make it happen. I’ve always wanted a vibrant life, a family of my own, friends, great experiences, and a fulfilling career, so I’ve set out to have it… all of it. Education and a successful career have always been important to me. I studied Psychology in undergrad at North Carolina A & T State University, class of 2008 and Clinical Psychology at Argosy University class of 2010, here in Atlanta. I’ve been practicing as a licensed therapist in Atlanta, GA for the past 10 years. I’ve been married to my college boyfriend for the past five years, and we began building a life together here. Fast forward a few years and I’ve become an entrepreneur, and a new mother (our daughter is almost two). This is when things really got REAL. Having many important roles in life can be stressful at times, but very rewarding.
I started up my private practice in 2016, while still working full-time. After having my daughter in 2017, I finally did it. I quit my full-time corporate job in managed care, and went into full-time entrepreneurship, building my practice and brand. It’s been a rollercoaster – exciting, and scary, ups and downs, but well worth the ride. While continuing to build my practice, I maintain contract work and a part-time job in the field. In my private practice, I work primarily with young adult women, striving to improve relationships with themselves and others, with a focus on building their self-esteem, self-worth, and self- love. I absolutely love it! I love all things mental health and wellness and highly encourage everyone to implement a daily mental health regimen. After all, there’s no health without mental health!
In addition to private practice, I am the creator of Therapist Code, a supportive community and movement for the millennial therapist. Therapist Code was developed to revolutionize the image and identity of therapists, as well as celebrate and support creative efforts to break down barriers in the mental health field. I’ve been fortunate enough to host events for therapists and students who are aspiring therapist to come together, engage in self-care, and support one another along our journeys in our field. Therapist Code is for the therapist that pushes limits and goes against the grain a bit. We do it for the culture. It’s necessary. There are challenges in doing what hasn’t really been done before, but I enjoy it. I’m transparent and relatable, which my clients appreciate. I’m merging my creativity and other interests to create a brand that like-minded clinicians and students appreciate. This is all just my professional life…
Although being a mother is my newest role, it’s the most important, what I’ve dreamt for the longest, and the role I’m most confident in. If I don’t do anything else right, I got this in the bag! I’ve always been motivated, but knowing I have a daughter to prove that anything is possible to, makes me go even harder. I enjoy hanging out with my husband and daughter, traveling together, spending time with our families, and outings with my girls.
Balancing it all is often impossible because realistically, some things take precedence over others at times … and that’s ok.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road at all. However, I know that we can achieve what we believe, and if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. My advice is to always remember your WHY. When times get tough, and you get discouraged, remember why you sought out on this journey in the first place. Regroup, and keep at it. The world needs what you’re working on. Engage in some positive self-talk, daily self-care, get an accountability partner, set goals and crush them!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am very passionate about helping others work through their struggles to live more fulfilled lives. Mental and emotional health is vital to overall wellness, and I love working with people to obtain this. There’s currently so much going on in the world, in minority communities, and in my culture. I’m working on not only growing my practice with clients that reach out to me, but to also become more active in the community to reach out to those who are hesitant to reach out for help, specifically in the Black community. We face many issues that impact our mental health and they need to be addressed. I’m proud that I’ve kept this fire burning, that I’ve continued on this entrepreneurial journey, even when it’s tough, to continue to help others.
In regards to Therapist Code, it al started because I was a bit envious that other helping fields, nursing, for example, has so much for nurses – great events and conferences, nursepreneurs with cool brands, and it really makes the idea of nursing appealing. There are so many supportive communities for them. In my opinion, the mental health field was missing this. There are plenty of professional organizations, which are great. However, I wasn’t seeing anything that appealed to younger therapists or students wanting to become therapists. No events/workshops/conferences that merged professionalism and pleasure, nothing encouraging being our authentic selves, no cute merch, etc. So, I created it. I’ve had so many clinicians tell me that this is what they needed, and that makes me proud. It makes me proud that I’ve been able to provide validation for them, through Therapist Code.
What sets me apart is that I’m not afraid to go against the grain, and color outside of the lines, so to speak. I love when people are surprised when I tell them I’m a therapist. They’re always pleasantly shocked because they see how “regular” I seem, which for whatever reason, people don’t expect from a therapist. I’m like “Yea girl, I love me some trap music too!” Lol. They see themselves in me, and that makes them much more open to working with a therapist if they were ever hesitant. “I’m a true girls’ girl and a therapists’ therapist! I want to see us all win! So, in both my practice with my clients and in the field with fellow clinicians and students, I encourage and motivate us to go after what we want, in whatever ways we want to or need to… because there is nothing we can’t do.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
I was born and raised in Queens, NY and grew up in Charlotte, NC. I attended, only the best HBCU ever *AGGIE PRIDE!*, and moved to Atlanta in 2008 to attend graduate school. I believe that all experiences, good or bad, play a role in shaping us. Growing up in NY made me very responsible and independent at a young age. I walked to school with friends in elementary and junior high school, had my own key to the house, would walk to the corner store for candy and icees, and played outside all day until the street lights came on. I’ve always carried that independence with me. My mom passed when I was 11, but luckily she had already poured so much into me in those 11 years. The women in my family have always been independent, strong, go-getters, and this was instilled in me, very early on. I started college at 17, and have been out on my own ever since. However, my success wouldn’t be possible without my supportive family. My father, my grandmother, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, best- friends, and boyfriend – now husband, always rooting for me. I’ve always had a healthy sense of self, self-love, and self-esteem, likely because so many people have always poured into me and believed in me… so I’ve always believed in myself. It makes ALL the difference, which is why I love helping my clients achieve that. Success is my only option. That doesn’t mean that I haven’t taken any “L’s”… but I adjust my crown and keep it moving.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1050 Crown Pointe Parkway Suite 500 Atlanta, GA 30338
- Website: tameikalpc.com
- Phone: 678-729-7178
- Email: hello@tameikalpc.com
- Instagram: tameika.lpc
Image Credit:
Kelley Raye
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
