Tamara Blackledge BurrLICSW, LCSW

I believe the stigma attached to mental health is the biggest barrier. There is a strong belief passed down through generations in my community that one should not tell anyone their personal or family business. I am proud to say that I can see those cycles being broken as people realize that needing help does not make them weak or any less of a man, woman, or Christian.

During the first session, we will review practice policies to ensure the client has a firm grasp on what is expected of them as the client and what they can expect from me as the therapist. We will then complete the intake process so I can get a better picture of who the client is. Lastly, we will work collaboratively to make all of the identified goals manageable for the client.

I do allow clients to determine what their treatment goals will be and how they would like to accomplish their goals. I simply ask the client what they would like to get out of therapy. My purpose in that process is to make sure the client is creating goals that are attainable. I then make sure that the client's goals are stated therapeutically for the treatment plan.

• Alabama, LICSW, 3674C
• Florida, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, SW18145

I have worked in the mental health field for over ten years. I have had the opportunity to work with children and families involved with the foster care system as well as incarcerated adults.