Tameka Whittlesey

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT TAMEKA WHITTLESEY

As a licensed clinical social worker, my work is rooted in liberation, collective healing, and resistance against oppressive systems that pathologize and criminalize survival. I reject the idea that suffering is an individual failure or that healing must fit into rigid, Westernized, productivity-driven frameworks. Instead, I create space for grief, trauma, generational resilience, and identity reclamation, centering Black women and other historically marginalized communities.With experience in hospitals, residential programs, outpatient clinics, and substance use treatment, I support individuals navigating trauma, loss, systemic harm, and personal transformation. My approach isn’t about \"Fixing\" people, it’s about honoring their wisdom, autonomy & agency, ensuring therapy is not another space where they must shrink or justify their pain. I support individuals through pregnancy loss, perinatal mood challenges, grief, generational trauma & identity exploration, affirming that healing isn’t about compliance but about reclaiming autonomy, rest & self-determination. My Specialized Education and Training include the following:Clinical Practice with Service Members and Family, University of Southern California, 2017Clinical Practice with Military Family, University of Southern California, 2018Family-Centered Therapy, Family-Centered Treatment Foundation, 2018Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care, Postpartum Support International, 2020EMDR Basic Training, Rivers Edge Institute, 2021Emotionally Focused Individual Training, Level 1 & Level 2, Carolina Center for EFT, 2021Externship in Emotionally Focused Therapy, Carolina Center for EFT, 2021Somatic Experiencing Beginning Levels 1-3; Intermediate 1 & 2 Somatic Experiencing International, 2024 (currently completing 8 module training with completion in 2026)Beyond therapy, I am committed to community care, supervision, and education, offering support to graduate & pre-licensed clinicians. I host workplace seminars on burnout reduction, trauma-informed leadership, and grief-responsive workplaces. My goal is to create safer, liberatory spaces where individuals feel fully seen, valued, and empowered in their healing.