Meet Stephanie Tatum | Founder and Primary Therapist of Still I Rise Counseling Services

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stephanie Tatum, Ma, Lpcc, Ncc and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stephanie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
There are three words to describe why I founded Still I Rise Counseling Services: FREEDOM, PURPOSE, and LEGACY.

Freedom: Freedom to create an inclusive, affirming, anti-oppressive, and anti-racist therapy practice that would allow individuals to heal, grow and rise.

Purpose: I believe everyone has a purpose in life. My purpose is to leave the world better than what it was before I was born into it. I strive to accomplish this by collaborating with individuals to promote healing among diverse groups.

Legacy for me is two-fold. First, the roots of my legacy are planted by reflecting on my ancestors’ struggles while honoring their strengths. They were visionaries, inventors and entrepreneurs, and paved the way for me to be where I am today. Their persistence, courage, and unwavering determination remind me that obstacles will present themselves, but they should not deter you from pursuing your dreams. Second, it is important that my children see me as an example and a role model, and one day seek to continue Still I Rise Counseling in areas where they can honor their purpose.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets me apart from others? First, I am a dope Black therapist with several tools in her toolbox. I love telling people that (ha-ha) because I’ve been asked if I am a CBT therapist, EFT therapist, or trauma therapist. These are therapeutic modalities and do not define who I am as a therapist. They are simply tools. So, I am a dope Black therapist with several tools in her toolbox. I work from a Liberation Psychology framework and foster an affirming environment through an anti-racism and anti-oppression lens.

How did I get to where I am today business-wise? Fearlessness, persistence, tenacity, an open-minded mindset, and reliance on my faith in EVERYTHING that I do. Becoming a Therapist and Entrepreneur has certainly had its challenges. I have conquered gender and racial discrimination, generational trauma, grief, and perfectionism. These challenges have given me insight, confidence, and created opportunities for self-discovery.

What do I want the world to know about Still I Rise Counseling Services? I want the world to know that Still I Rise Counseling strives to create a safe environment for those confronting issues related to relationships, depression, trauma, racial trauma, grief, and substance use disorders (to name a few). Still I Rise Counseling specializes in crafting a culturally congruent space to discuss societal experiences, internalized oppression, intergenerational trauma, and ancestral wounds (to name a few). We understand that individual and collective healing is necessary to educate, empower, and advocate for social justice and equity. Lastly, the name of my therapy practice, Still I Rise Counseling Services, is inspired by Maya Angelou’s poem, Still I Rise. This accurately represents my clients; resilient, persevering through their healing process, maintaining hope, and overcoming inequality and oppression.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love this question! My husband and I do not like cramming multiple activities into one day. We would plan the following itinerary for my best friend and her husband:

Day 1: My husband and I would introduce them to Mimosas in the Five Points, Denver for breakfast. I love Mimosa’s outdoor seating and menu selections as they have something for everyone.

Day 2: Make plans to drive up to Breckenridge. On the way up we will stop at the Mint Steakhouse in Dillon where you can prepare and grill your own steak on a lava rock grill. Once in Breckenridge, we will visit the Barney Ford Museum and enjoy window shopping before returning to the city.

To give some history, Barney Ford was born into slavery, escaped freedom, and settled in Colorado. He taught himself how to read and write—eventually becoming an influential civil rights activist, entrepreneur, and one of Colorado’s leading businessmen. He is a true example of someone who overcame racism, financial hardship, and opposition. This museum is informational and an absolute must-visit.

Day 3 & 4: We would drive to Winter Park and spend the weekend. We will rest, relax, and enjoy the fresh mountain air and stunning views. We would likely be there for one of the music festivals that occur during the summer.

Day 5: Next up is Grand Lake for a pontoon boat ride. We usually bring food and snacks, so we will spend four to six hours enjoying the weather, scenery, water, and each other.

Day 6: We’re heading back down to the city, but not without stopping by The Fort Steakhouse in Morrison first.

Day 7: Relax, Relax, RELAX (ha-ha)!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. In addition to my husband and children, my close family and friends surround me. Each has played a significant role in where I am today, and I am honored to have them in my life. I also want to recognize, honor, and dedicate my shoutout to my mentor, Kathleen. Words alone cannot express my gratitude for her. So, here is where I would love to begin; her expertise and knowledge guide me in ways that my graduate program could not prepare me for. Her flexibility reminds me that I do not have to strive for perfection and it’s okay to fall short and regroup. Her progressive mindset reassures me that embracing new ideas, challenging traditional norms, and adapting to change is okay. Her self-reflection encourages me to look inward, be present with myself, and understand how the two contribute to who I am as a therapist. Her integrity teaches me that integrity increases your autonomy and improves your own mental health and emotional stability. Finally, her honesty validates that mentoring is mutually beneficial. She is God-sent.

Website: https://stillirise-counseling.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stillirisecounseling

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stillirisecounseling

Other: Steph’s Podcast Features (Mental Health and Benefits of Therapy & Understanding Grief and Loss): https://stillirise-counseling.com/podcast

Image Credits
Zsa’nee Gaines