Meet Tamatha McCoy | Supervisor & Therapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tamatha McCoy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tamatha, what do you attribute your success to?

The most important factor behind my success is remaining humble, and remembering where I came from. I didn’t know that the trauma, hurt, and pain caused by others and myself would lead to my success. I realize that one’s pain could be another’s gain; if you’re able to receive that you will be able to appreciate it. as well as the process throughout the journey. It took a while for me to acknowledge that I was no longer a victim, and once I began to realize that, my success began to soar, I started to believe in myself, I no longer blamed to hide my pain, I embraced it, and allowed myself to freely heal internally and externally.

I was a victim of childhood trauma from as early as I can remember, both physical, and verbal abuse went on in my childhood until the age of 15 years old. The physical abuse I endured ranged from backhanded slaps to the face and mouth that caused my nose and mouth to bleed, being beaten in the mouth with a slipper until my lips were black, purple and swollen, my tongue trying to be pulled out of my mouth with a washcloth causing my lingual frenulum to tear, and being beaten with a belt that left huge welts all over my body; just to name of few. The verbal abuse included my being called a ‘Dou Dou, Stupid, and Dumb”, all of this abuse occurred before the age of 13 years old. The abuse I endured caused me to be extremely fearful of my parent which would often cause me to avoid telling the truth, for fear of being punished (which ended up happening anyway whether I told the truth or not). I can recall being a very sad little girl starting at the age of 8 years old, with very few happy memories, and strangers would pass me on the street and tell me to “smile little lady”.

There were many people who tried to help, and save me but I was prevented from that happening. As I got older and became a teenager, I engaged in rebellious teen behaviors, however some of the behaviors was a  product of the trauma that I experienced by the hand of my parent. Trauma affects everyone differently, and unfortunately mines lead me to a life of self destruction, and pain. I’ve learned that no one decides to be a difficult child, a rebellious teen, or an addict; something happened in that individual’s life whether as a child, teen, or even as an adult that was out of their control that may cause the behaviors. It took awhile for me to understand that, especially since when I was blamed for my abuse.

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. My addiction masked all the lows I was experiencing, I had come to the conclusion at that time that this was my life, I could not see beyond my addiction.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

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.

Through it all 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 mental health, and I’ve 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, graduated Valedictorian, went to undergrad and graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Science in Human Services, and went on to graduate school and obtained a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University.

Although fear of success is common, I had to learn not to concern myself with what others felt about the route I had to take or who/what I had to expose in order to become who I am today. My success is not only defined by merit, career, education, etc. but first by survival, resilience, and willpower.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Brunch
Southern Gentleman at Buckhead Village
South City Kitchen

Lunch
Gypsy Kitchen
Two Urban Licks
Sugar Factory

Dinner
Drawbar
Velvet Taco
The Select

Entertainment/Shopping
Illuminarium of Atlanta After Dark
Atlantic Station
Truist Park
Lennox mall
Ponce City Market

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My Pastor Prophet Dr. Sadie Lee Miles of House of Prophecies and Prayer Church, has been my motivation, and encouragement. She taught that through God anything is possible, that he is a healer of all things.

Instagram: reginamccoy2556

Linkedin: Tamatha McCoy, MSW

Facebook: Tammi McCoy Verneret Msw

Image Credits
Hair by: Mercedes Makeup by: Teresas Photography by: Bella