Today, we’d like to introduce you to Tabitha Hoskins. Tabitha was introduced to us by the brilliant and talented Kimberly Mayes.
Tabitha, thank you so much for joining us today. We’d love for you to bring our readers up to speed – can you introduce yourself and share your story?
As long as I can remember, I’ve been an empathy. Although my parents were not together, my family operated like a well-oiled machine to provide a happy and stable childhood. Despite the stability, it was easy for me to see moments of concern and or unmet needs of the adults. Having a large maternal and paternal family, I was familiar with a host of personalities and emotions early on. As a Caribbean woman, culturally we do what needs to be done (in ways that appear effortless), without taking time to assess or unpack the emotional / mental impact of events; our “strength” is respond and fix. Feeling all the things often felt overwhelming as a child. My curiosity for human emotion and behavior led me to major in Criminal Justice with a minor is psychology. I assumed a life in the legal field would provide the balance I needed; I could observe human behavior and “sift” some of the emotional weight by only dealing with the facts.
Plot twist, my plan did not work, and I am happy it didn’t. I never felt fulfilled in most positions. I found peace and joy, whenever I was able to help unpack tough emotions. In 2012 I decided to allow my passion to flow and became a certified Prepare & Enrich premarital counselor. My strategy was to take a proactive approach to help couples set a solid foundation by working with them before challenges set in. I desire to see families restored and thriving! In 2020, I expand my approach; it was time to start supporting individuals with my continued focus for couples and families. Restoration can happen at any point of the journey, which propelled me to become a certified Biblical Counselor. Restoration begins on an individually level and expands collectively. As a Biblical Counselor I am equipped to effectively support individuals, couples, families and groups, but I have a special passion for marriages. With my passion for couples, my Informed Sex Therapy certification is pending completion and I can’t wait to see where this journey leads!
Let’s talk about your work and career – what else should we know?
As a Biblical Counselor, I serve as an instrument of God’s love. I have the honor of extending empathy and understanding to individuals seeking refuge; I foster a safe non-judgmental space for individuals to unpack struggles, doubt, fears, and trauma. I get the unique opportunity to empower my clients to know that their Source (God) for wellness is accessible 24/7, 365. Although I am qualified to supply wellness tools, I make it clear that I am not their source. The Source to their healing provides all the tools needed, by way of me, medication, talk therapy, etc. What I love most about my job is the transformation God allows me to witness when I reflect a fraction of God’s love by meeting my clients where they are, holding them accountable to their goals and journeying with them without shame. Through my partnership they realize that they are indeed beautifully created and chosen with no mistakes.
Kimberly Mayes and Essence Therapy & Wellness Center have been great to us and I know you’ve got a great relationship with them as well. Maybe you can tell our audience a bit about Kimberly Mayes and Essence Therapy & Wellness Center and your experience with them.
I am honored to be a part of the Essence Therapy & Wellness Center (ETWC) team! Every provider at ETWC has the foundational belief of holistic wellness for ourselves and our clients. We fully understand that wellness is an intentional and holistic journey. We understand that wellness in-part is not sustainable. Our vision to see our clients completely differentiates us from other mental health providers. We understand that often times the event that brought a client to counseling is often a symptom of a root issue that was left unaddressed. As if that was not enough, our niche is to ensure that the Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) community has providers who can connect personally and provide culturally responsive therapy and coping strategies. We have created a space for the BIPOC community to be vulnerable about their individual and collective traumas. Addressing collective trauma is a critical part of the holistic healing process.
In addition, Dr. Kimberly Renay Mayes, founder of ETWC, has fostered a professional sisterhood amongst our team. As practitioners, we share tools that enhance our individual practices, refer clients based on our strengths, encourage each other personally and hold each other accountable. This dynamic is unique – we are a group of highly qualified practitioners who honor each other’s strengths without competition. To be a teammate at ETWC, is to be supported by a strong body of women. We hold space for each other, when other professional circles limit access.
Website: https://www.essencetwc.com/meettabitha
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thethrivemission/
