Tasha L. Fortenberry, LCSW

20+ years of social work experience. California native groomed by ancestral Southern charm. The majority of my services have been within the community and in-home therapy which has exposed me to many different personalities, religions, cultures, and social statuses. With an undergraduate degree in Sociology, culture and equity of marginalized individuals are central to how I personalize aspects of my therapeutic treatment style. Socioeconomic-competency, too, is a niche in my therapeutic delivery as individuals who may come from a legacy of generational financially secure kinships may experience a variety of adjustments in defining a separate identity or first-generation-professionals who may come from a legacy of generations termed 'lower-class' to 'middle-class' which may elicit sentiments of survivor's guilt whether self-imposed or imposed by family or community. Culture is inclusive of race/ethnicity, family, community or work. I believe that mental health shares a symbiotic relationship with culture - without equilibrium it becomes difficult to find peace and live a purpose fulfilled life. The Origin of Sanadoras Wellness: 'Sanadora' means 'healer' in Spanish. The AYA Adinkra symbol represents endurance, resilience, perseverance and the ability to overcome adversity. The heart in the center of the Aya represents the-heart-of-endurance. Throughout my social work career I have met many people who, despite their hardship, trauma(s), grief, losses and adjustments still share a similar story of wanting to protect someone or some people from the agony of sharing their personal narratives. Sometimes the response to why a person keeps secret about their trauma or mental health is because they don't want others to worry, be sad, be angry or because they don't want to add burden to others who care about them. These behaviors are truly the empathic nature of an Unrefined-Healer as the person who is wounded can sometimes discern the wounding in others and will put the persons' needs or healing before their own. It is my journey to assist the Unrefined-Healer in recognizing who YOU are, helping YOU set boundaries, and/or supporting YOU in becoming aware of YOUR inherent resilience. Once a wound is examined, cleansed and properly treated a scar is formed and can sometimes fade away. Intuitively I recognize both conscious and unconscious wounded-warriors. With my eclectic background, I've been exposed to diverse religions and spiritual beliefs. I use Spiritual Social Work to examine how faith and belief have been the source of strength for my clients. Lastly, laughter lightens the heart! Therapy shouldn't always be serious so know that between the tears, sadness, or anger that appropriate humor is also healing.