Meet Tamika Reeves

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamika Reeves. 

Hi Tamika, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised on the Eastside of Detroit. I graduated from Martin Luther King High School with honors and went on to Michigan State University on a full scholarship to receive my Bachelor’s in Psychology then Oakland University to obtain my Masters in Counseling. I’ve always had a desire for the field of psychology and counseling. As a kid in elementary school, I participated in a program called Peer Mediation whereas students, we “counseled” our peers who got into fights or arguments at school with other children. It was at that young age that I decided I wanted to be a therapist. My journey at MSU wasn’t an easy one. During my second year, I experienced some family issues that caused me to go through a lot of stress. My grades dropped drastically and I was then “recessed” from the university aka kicked out. I had never received a C in a class let alone been kicked out of school for grades. That letdown lit a fire in me. I ended up staying near the University and attended Lansing Community College for a year per my advisor’s recommendation, then I was readmitted back into the University. Due to my undergrad GPA being low I was told by another advisor that I would never be able to get into graduate school, which of course is the mandatory course to become a therapist, I was devastated. I spoke with my grandmother about my issue and she spoke words I will never forget. She told me ” Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do! You may not be able to do it the way everyone else does it but you can do it so figure it out!”. That’s exactly what I did. I contacted all of the local Universities and requested a meeting. Several turned me down but Oakland University gave me a chance. I graduated from my graduate program with honors. 

After working in the field of mental health for several years with several different local community mental health agencies I felt drained and unfulfilled. I was overworked and underpaid. I felt like the red tape associated with the industry truly got in the way of me being an effective Clinician to my clients. I felt is was more I needed to give and I knew I had to step out on faith and start my own practice. I have always had a great support system within my family, my husband Kellen, my mentor Donald Snider, and my friends, so when I decided to open my practice, my biggest obstacle was how do I obtain clients. I was never concerned about my ability as a Clinician to perform and assist my clients but as a businesswoman, I was doubtful on if I was running my business efficiently for it to survive. I started my journey just wanting to work for myself so I could provide adequate therapy to my clients. I now have a thriving growing group practice with a dozen culturally competent Clinicians dedicated to servicing the Detroit community. I am blessed in which my assignment from God also doubles as my career. I am able to use my practice, my voice, my presence, and my other companies (Protecting My Peace and LocateTherapy.com) as tools to help my community 

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The journey has been far from smooth. I did not have a guide or roadmap as an entrepreneur while developing my private practice. It’s been all trial and error but the process has made me a strong businesswoman. I learned the importance of networking and pivoting. I’ve learned to accept failure as a tool to learn and I’ve grown through my mistakes. One of my main struggles was understanding that I can’t do everything myself. Having a team is crucial. Being able to delegate is important. For years I felt like I needed to complete all task myself to get things done correctly but I was only causing myself stress and slowing up the growth of my business. To add to this, while growing my practice, I’ve given birth to 3 children and dealt with some personal medical issues. These personal seasons were difficult as a business owner especially as a mental health professional because my clients and staff still depended on me and I had to push through and keep the business going. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Transition Family Services is a private practice counseling facility located in Southfield MI servicing the metro Detroit area. We provide mental health services in the form of individual, couples, family, group, and child therapy. We provide in-office sessions as well as telehealth virtual counseling which allows us to service anyone in Michigan. Our goal is to be the leading private practice in the Detroit area with a variety of cultural competent adequate mental health professionals. We aim to offer therapy as well as psycho-education to the community in the area of workshops, seminars, mentoring, and public speaking. 

LocateTherapy.com is an online directory that provides quick access to culturally competent Black and Brown mental health professionals. Many people want a therapist that look and talk like them. Locatetherapy.com assist individuals with finding the therapist they desire in their area. 

Protecting My Peace is an online store of merchandise that delivers a message that is essential to everyone. Our motto is wear something that says everything. 

I am a wife, a mother, a therapist, a businesswoman, a supervisor, a public speaker, and much more. I wear many hats and have achieved a lot of success but at the end of the day, I’m still Tamika from the Eastside. I am most proud of that fact that throughout all my hardships and all my success I’ve remained real to myself and I’ve never given up. I feel this is what draws people to me because my energy is authentic and I truly believe in people. I want your readers to know that the work that I do is my assignment from God and as long I’m here I’m going to continue to be a resource for all the people I service. 

What makes you happy?
My family and friends truly make me happy. I have the best husband ever and 3 beautiful busy children. I know I am favored by God just by the way I’ve been blessed with the most phenomenal family and friends. I have a large friend base of women that are more like sisters than friends. Being able to be surrounded daily by people that love and support you is a blessing. 

Pricing:

• Out of pocket fee for therapy $150 per session
• Majority of insurances accepted for therapy including some State Medicaid insurances
• Locate Therapy free directory for individuals looking for a therapist monthly fee for mental health professionals to join
• Protecting My Peace merchandise price varies

Contact Info:

• Website: www.transitionfamilyservices.com
• Instagram: @tamika_thetherapist
• Facebook: Transition Family Services
• Other: www.ProtectingMyPeace.com. www.LocateTherapy.com