Tianna McIff
"I believe therapy has the power to ensure no one ever feels too broken to heal, too far gone to return, or too alone to be loved."
Professional Credentials:
Licensed Master Social Worker
Why I Became a Therapist
When I started college as a mechanical engineering major, I never anticipated ending up with two degrees in social work. I absolutely loved my engineering classes, especially math, but it didn't take me long to realize that something in me had a different idea of what my future would look like. I took a leap of faith and allowed that part of me to take charge, and I am so incredibly grateful I did. The most rewarding part about being a therapist is seeing individuals increase in hope and feel empowered to live their life the way they choose.
Expertise:
Anxiety Treatment and OCD Treatment
Everyone experiences anxiety. Like all other emotions, anxiety can provide us with information about ourselves and our surroundings. However, when it gets in the way of you living the life you want, receiving additional support can go a long way in helping to find balance and increase your tolerance to anxiety and fear.
I have experience working with many anxiety and related issues, including generalized anxiety (GAD), social anxiety, and OCD. I often incorporate exposure-based interventions in treatment and plan to do more training in the future.
I also recognize that exposure response prevention (ERP) may not feel comfortable or be the best fit for every client experiencing unwanted OCD or anxiety-related symptoms. Therefore, I love utilizing a values-based approach and incorporating aspects of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) into my work in this area.
Research has shown that OCD is often misdiagnosed or overlooking completely, taking an average of 15 years for an individual to receive an accurate diagnosis. I understand that some thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are difficult to talk about, but I want you to know you are not alone and there is nothing wrong with you. I hope to provide a safe space where you feel comfortable discussing those things that have previously been met with shame and embarrassment. Together, we can cultivate self-compassion and a greater sense of self.
Treatment-Resistant Depression & Severe and Persistent Mental Illness
I have spent time in multiple acute settings for mental health, eating disorder, and addiction treatment. Through that time, as well as personal experiences with severe mental illness, I have come to find a very special place in my heart for those struggling with severe depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation or a history of suicide attempts.
I have heard too many people express feelings of hopelessness related to their mental health and treatment. Not simply due to their mental illness, but also because of past experiences with friends, family members, people in positions of power, and even mental health professionals.
If I could convey one message to you, it would be this: Your mental health is not hopeless. Your situation is not hopeless. You are not hopeless. There is always hope. There is always a reason to keep going and keep trying. And if you have forgotten it, I would love to help you rediscover that reason.