"My humanity is bound up in your for we can only be human together."
Desmond TuTu
Toya Tatum Brown (He/Him/His/They/Them)
Psychotherapist Intern
My focus is to create a safe and empathetic environment where individuals can explore their experiences and collaborate in their journey towards self-actualization and personal resiliency. I believe that everyone possesses unique strengths and abilities, and the goal of therapy is to empower clients by helping them recognize and utilize these strengths to navigate challenges and address their concerns.
As a person with a diverse range of experiences, I have had the privilege of working with various populations throughout my career. My professional experience extends to adults who are facing the challenges of substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health diagnoses. My work extends to children and families who are involved in the family court system. Navigating the intricacies of this system historically has had a negative impact on the well-being of children and their families. With a compassionate and client-centered approach, I strive to support these families through their legal processes, offering guidance and interventions to promote stability, healing, and positive outcomes.
Additionally, I have worked with both children and adults who have experienced complex trauma, including instances of intimate partner violence, child and adult sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Recognizing the profound and lasting effects that such experiences can have on an individual's mental health and overall functioning; through evidence-based modalities and trauma-informed care, I am committed to assisting survivors in their healing journey, fostering resilience, and empowering them to reclaim their lives.
I am particularly passionate about working with youth and adults that have experienced complex trauma. Understanding the complex nature of trauma and its impact on individuals' lives is critical to providing a therapeutic space that is compassionate and non-judgmental where survivors can heal, regain a sense of control, and develop healthy coping strategies. Another passion of mine is supporting transgender individuals as they navigate various aspects of their lives, including interpersonal relationships and social and medical transitions. Transgender individuals have unique challenges and are met with discrimination and oppressive systems that can reduce their quality of life. Providing safe and healthy therapeutic spaces assists them in their journey towards self-discovery, self-acceptance, and overall well-being.
My therapeutic style involves an approach to engage each client with genuine empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a deep respect for their unique experiences. Using different treatment modalities, I strive to foster trust and collaboration, supporting individuals as they navigate their healing process and work towards achieving their goals. The journey towards healing is not a linear one. It is a brave step towards personal growth and self-care.
- Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice - Coppin State University.
- Case Management Certification - University of Maryland, Baltimore.
- Youth Mental Health First Aid - Baltimore City Public Schools.
- Mandated Reporting of Child Abuse & Neglect - Baltimore City Public Schools.
- Radical Empathy.
- Respect.
- Transparency.
- Integrity.
- Service.
- Trust.
- Compassion.
- Collaboration.
- My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts.
- The Little Book of Race and Restorative Justice: Black Lives, Healing, and US Social Transformation.
- Transforming Trauma.
- Racial Trauma: Clinical Strategies and Techniques for Healing Invisible Wounds.
- The Body Keeps Score.
- Hood Feminism.
- Domestic Violence Survivors.
- Tweens, Teenagers, and Adults.
- Trauma Survivors.
- Sex Therapy
- Eating Disorders
- Family Therapy