Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tamatha McCoy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Tamatha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I have taken many risks in my life both big and small to include moving to Georgia where I knew no one, or anything about at all, after living in my home State of Connecticut over half my life. However, the biggest risk I’ve taken thus far was sharing and telling my story/testimony within a public forum, such as this. My type of life story would typically be unspoken of, hushed, and hopefully forgotten about. Telling my story would include exposing and disclosing myself and others. I have in the past the opportunity to tell my story in smaller personal forums such as amongst close friends, small group settings, church, etc. and my reasonings for sharing my story in those forums differed each time. However this time was and is different, this time I’m sharing with a wider audience of people that I may or may not know and vice versa. I hesitated, and debated on how much of my story should I tell, how far back should I go, or should I even tell it at all. As I thought about my childhood trauma, the physical, verbal, and mental abuse I suffered by my parent, or the my drug adduction and the behaviors I engaged in because of it, or just the overall affect of my trauma; I wasn’t sure if I was ready to do a tell all because by doing so will cause others to be exposed, and my possibly being judged or criticized by others. However,  I took that risk, because I realized that although my story was about me, it WASN’T about me (if that makes sense),.This time I had a completely different purpose for telling my story, I wanted to inspire, encourage, motivate, build, and teach others who have gone through or know someone who have faced the same challenges I have. I couldn’t worry about what others thought about me telling my story, so I did, and I received various responses and feedback when the first article published, lots positives words, some questioned why I shared my story, and such, but nothing I didn’t expect. However the response that affected me the most was the one I received  from the one that contributed to my trauma. I must say I expected some backlash, but nothing close to what I received. By the time my second article was published which was more specific and detailed, the judgment, and criticism that I was once concerned about initially, reared it’s ugly head. I was called a liar, selfish, a disappointment, you name it;  that’s what my disclosure and exposure created. I know that this was all a ploy to get me to cease the purpose, leave the story unspoken, hushed, and forgotten. This made me aware that with risks comes sacrifice, and I asked myself if the risk was worth the sacrifice; well if I made this about me then probably not, but since I had a bigger purpose and motive outside of what others thought I’ve come to the conclusion that the risk was definitely worth the sacrifice.

Tamatha, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born and raised in Stamford, Connecticut, and have resided in Georgia for 12 years. I am a mother of 4 amazing adult children, and grandmother of 8 beautiful, and talented grandchildren, and I married my high school sweetheart on 11.11.22. I have been working in the Human Service and Mental Health field for over 20 years. I’ve obtained a Bachelors of Science in Human Services and a Master of Social Work degree from Fordham University.

I am a Therapist within a  striving private practice, Redirecting Life Counseling Center providing virtual sessions to individuals experiencing various issues. I believe we all possess an inner strength, resiliency, and the ability to self-heal from the challenges that are often times out of their control. 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. I have gained the passion to help and serve others, build their self-esteem, confidence, and to feel comfortable in their skin.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Once I was healed, and recovered from the abuse, and drug addiction; I no longer labeled myself as a victim. I had the strength and ability to press forward, I transitioned from victim to survivor. I believed in myself; I began to see my worth. I realized that my past no longer defined me, it refined me; it was then I was able to share my story without shame, or fear, but with confidence. I overcame the impossible from the strength God has given me. My resiliency is illustrated in my success, my dedication and integrity for the work that I do.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Due to my becoming a mother at the age of 18 years old, and the years that I was drug addicted; my life was setback. Since I was a high school dropout, I had to take high school classes at night all while married with 3 children and 2 pregnancies. Once I started college, I was raising a family, working full time, and attending school part time. By the time I attended grad school, I was still raising my family, working a full time, 2 part time jobs and driving 40 minutes to NY every Saturday morning to attend classes from 9a-5p. I pivoted straight through with limited breaks in between, life, school, and career. I currently pivot career, life, volunteering etc.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: reginamccoy2556
• Linkedin: Tamatha McCoy, MSW

Image Credits
Bella Caricari-beyondthelensbybells