We recently connected with Tiffany Bynum and have shared our conversation below.

Tiffany, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

I was raised in a healthy, two parent home; keyword “Healthy.” My parents were always present at any and all events or activities that my brother and I were involved in, cheering us on loudly. We ate dinner as a family, traveled as a family, faithfully attended church as a family and would also have TGIF (Thank Goodness It’s Friday) fun; i.e. watching all the good sitcoms on TV and/or movie night as a family.

Growing up my parents were the true model of love. They would dance with each other in the living room, went out on dates often and always kissing which was of course “gross” to me as a child. However, this taught me that love was sweet, kind, and fun. I’m certain my parents had disagreements throughout my childhood; however, they did not argue or speak about such things in front of my brother and I; so, to me it appeared perfect. When they decided to have my brother and I, my mom was a part-time stay at home mom as she quit her engineering job to become our private school bus driver until we went to high school; while my father continued to work at Nasa. My mother became a teacher after we went to high school to have our same schedule. Both parents engaged in what some would call “gender roles;” which made the house flow well. It sounds like a fairytale; right; too good to be true; but all was true. Of course, there were moments of contention and disappointment; however, love was very present.

My parents showed me how to care for others, help others, love others, motivate others and give back to the community. We used to volunteer as both of my parents were involved in community service organizations; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity; my mom being more active in her organization than my dad. Both were active in more than one ministry at church; as well as both being well educated. This is what motivated me to go into the field of helping others. I became more passionate about helping others when I realized it was truly my ministry. Before my father passed in 2016; we had a conversation about me being a light to others. He expressed being proud of me and told me to “Shine;” and I have been “Shinning” ever since. Again; I was blessed to be in a healthy two parent home; so, in my practice I encourage clients to strive to develop/build and maintain a healthy environment for themselves and their family.

Tiffany, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Tiffany Bynum and I am an LPC-S (licensed professional counselor-supervisor). I was born and raised in Houston, TX, with family roots in Louisiana. So, in my mind, that makes me a true Southern Girl!! Growing up; I initially wanted to be a model/singer/actress; however, when you don’t use it you lose it so I then decided to be a doctor or a lawyer. But as I went through school, I quickly realized being a medical doctor was not in my best interest; however, still thinking “I’m going to be a lawyer” due to always debating with people; making sure my point was understood. I ended up realizing that the field of helping others was the common denominator in what I strived to become, and I became interested in psychology and realized I could still get “my point” across in this field as well; the irony of it all.

I have been in the counseling field since 2005; working in hospitals, outpatient clinics, mental health authorities, and in jail services. Working in such areas; has given me an abundance in knowledge; learning how to assist in a variety of mental health challenges. I have encompassed the skills of being supportive, non-judgmental, goal oriented and culturally sensitive when conducting therapeutic services.

My passion for healthy living and personal development keeps me fueled, drives me to reach new heights in medical research and allows me the daily opportunity to strengthen the professional counseling profession. Through several different methods of psychotherapy and collaborative work, I strive to assist each individual in investing in their mental health allowing them to identify and become their Best You, leading a more healthier life.

I began my private practice; Tender Devotions Counseling Services in 2017. I strive to focus on clients as if it were my own family; providing you with an intimate and safe environment where you feel comfortable and at home. I am most of proud showing others how to think outside of the box and value their worth, which guides them into becoming their Best Version of themselves. My goal is to get others to a place of healing so that they too can “Shine” like my father encouraged me to shine. Tender Devotions is devoted to serving your needs with a tender touch!!

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back; would I choose the same profession; yes, I would. However, I would do it differently; by going all the way through without stopping and obtaining my PHD at an early age. It’s easier to continue if you have the ability financially as all the information is still fresh on your mind and the desire to expand your knowledge is still present. Despite not doing it this way, I would still choose my profession.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

When I was in college, I was involved in an assault. It was my freshman year during a Springfest event on the campus. We were being young adults, having a water gun/water balloon fight on the yard. I managed to get a water gun from a fellow classmate, and I was conquering the water fight. A male classmate of mines whom I was not familiar with wanted to take the water gun from me; but of course, in true “fun fashion” I’m not going to just give you my weapon that has me conquering this activity. He then became serious no longer making the event fun when trying to get the water gun. This male grabbed me by neck and threw me on a hood of a car that was behind me in front of everyone. As I slid down the hood and fell to the ground; he grabbed the water gun and ran off into one of the dormitories. Police were called as I laid on the ground and I was taken to the hospital. Thankfully I was okay physically; but of course, emotionally and mentally I had become scarred. In my mind I was not going to make it through the rest of the year; I was embarrassed, I couldn’t believe I was assaulted in front of so many people. I experienced an array of emotions and thoughts; anger, sadness, humiliation, frustration, defeat; etc.. However, as I spoke about my family and coming from a family of love and support; I made it through the rest of the year and I did not let that event define me or how I was viewed. I now realize this was just a chapter in my story that allows me to relate to clients who have experienced a form of assault or trauma; making my ability to relate and guide others to healing even more intimate.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.tenderdevotions.com
• Instagram: tdc_services_
• Facebook: Tender Devotions

Image Credits
Photo by Cory Dixon Photography