Tanya Brand

Licensed Master Social Worker|Clinically Supervised

My path to becoming a therapist really grew out of the work I’ve done in the community and my natural love for people. For years, I found myself in roles where I was listening to stories, supporting folks through crisis, and helping them make sense of what they were going through. Over time, I realized something important: people don’t always need someone to “fix” them. Sometimes they simply need a voice in their corner. They need to feel heard, understood, and reminded that what they’re feeling makes sense. Working with so many different populations—families, young people, people dealing with grief, addiction, trauma, and major life transitions—showed me how much healing can happen when someone finally has a safe place to talk. I learned that clarity grows when people can name what’s happening inside of them without fear of judgment. And I found myself wanting to be that steady, grounding presence for others. What inspired me to become a therapist was witnessing the moment when someone realizes, “Oh… this makes sense now,” or “I’m not alone in this.” Those moments are powerful. They can change the entire direction of a person’s life. I wanted to help create more of them. So becoming a therapist wasn’t just a career choice—it was a natural extension of the work I’d already been doing and the person I’ve always been. I’m inspired by people’s resilience, their stories, and their desire to heal and grow. And I’m honored that I get to walk alongside them as they do that.

If there’s one thing I wish people knew about the therapy experience, it’s that you don’t have to wait until everything is falling apart to reach out. Talking about what’s bothering you can be incredibly relieving. Sometimes you’re trying to figure things out on your own, but you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step. It’s not that you’re incapable of solving your problems—you absolutely are. But everyone deserves support, and sometimes having someone who isn’t involved, who can listen without judgment, helps you see things more clearly. Therapy gives you space to slow down, unpack what’s going on, and find direction again. You deserve to be happy. You deserve to be healthy. You deserve to feel whole. And you don’t have to do that alone. Let me help you get there.

My approach to therapy is very much shaped by who I am as a person. I’m easygoing, warm, and down-to-earth, which helps people feel comfortable with me quickly. I’ve been through my own struggles, so I don’t come into the room acting like I have all the answers. I come in as someone who understands what it feels like to be overwhelmed, confused, or hurting. That lived experience helps me relate to people in a real and authentic way. I’m deeply non-judgmental. You can tell me anything, and it won’t change the way I see you. My goal is to create a space where you don’t have to pretend, minimize, or hold back. You get to show up exactly as you are. I also bring strong cultural awareness to my work. As the child of an immigrant parent from Haiti, I grew up moving between cultures, expectations, and perspectives. That gives me a genuine understanding of how identity, family traditions, cultural values, and generational differences shape the way we move through the world. It’s important to me that my clients feel seen not just as individuals, but within the cultural context that shaped them. Overall, my personality makes therapy feel safe, comfortable, and human. I’m someone who listens, connects, and meets you where you are. If you’re looking for a therapist who combines real-life understanding with compassion, cultural sensitivity, and a calming presence, I’d be honored to work with you.