Tamara Heaton-Wyrick, LMSW, CCTP
Trauma Psychotherapist
You are known as the person others turn to—the steady presence, the thoughtful listener, the one who shows up. Caring deeply has always come naturally, but, over time, being the guide, the organizer, the caregiver, and the helper for everyone else has come at a cost. Beneath the surface of doing “fine,” you understand what it feels like to be exhausted, overwhelmed, and silently struggling, unsure how to ask for help without feeling like a burden or believing you deserve more. This lived understanding shapes your world. You recognize how easy it is to lose yourself while trying to keep everyone else afloat, and how loneliness can exist even in the middle of full relationships. You used to believe that feeling stuck was a failure, but now you realize it’s a signal that is begging for your attention..
It might seem like a distant possibility, but taking care of your wellbeing doesn’t necessarily mean letting others down. There is a world where you feel full and connected with yourself and others–and therapy places you in the seat of the creator. In our work together, we will help you reconnect with yourself by prioritizing your needs without guilt and navigating the relationship changes that naturally arise when boundaries begin to shift. Together, we will gently explore old wounds, unlearn patterns of self-sacrifice, and redefine what it means to accept the love you truly deserve.
My approach is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and deep respect for each person’s story. I offer a space that’s safe, free from shame, and where all parts of you are welcome. Approaching change with intention and care, I believe that when you begin to let go of what no longer serves you, you create room for growth, clarity, and renewal. Change can feel scary and unknown, but we can hold steady to the truth that it can also bring deeper connection and genuine happiness.
It would be an honor to work together with you to unlock your full potential, and as a humanist, collaboration is key. Therapy will include all parts of your experience: mind, body, and spirit. We will work to build tools for you to thrive and look more deeply at how you can live in the present to give you more peace while overcoming the struggle you experience in your everyday life. Using art, workbooks, journals, mindfulness activities, and other tools, we will work to empower your strengths to foster resilience and wellbeing.
Tam is a dedicated medical anthropologist and clinical social work therapist, having received both graduate degrees at Wayne State University. Her journey began in academia where she served as a Research Director on various health studies. Here, Tam honed her skills in research by focusing on social justice issues, ensuring individuals and systems were infused in research designs. Additionally, she served as a Director of Sponsored programs at community action agencies where she designed community mental health programming honoring trauma-informed environments and ensuring trauma-informed care accessibility to those who need it most. Fundraising to support these programs is something she still does. Lastly, Tam’s experience also includes having engaged in community education, traveling throughout Michigan to share vital knowledge on adult abuse and neglect prevention, as well as having worked with University of Michigan medical students teaching them anthropological techniques to better connect them to patients. This work illustrates her passion for bridging the gap between medical practice and the human experience to enhance patient care. In her spare time, Tam enjoys building an oddities and curiosities collection with her spouse, catching live local music, performing stand-up, getting engrossed in a good documentary, movie, or series, and snuggling with her Siamese, Luna.
Populations Served: Adults of All Ages
Areas of Interest and Expertise:
Life Transitions & Adjustments
Trauma, PTSD, & Complex PTSD
Creative Burnout
Depression
Anxiety
Grief
Medical Advocacy
Stress Management
Self Esteem & Self Worth
Cultural Competency
Mindfulness Meditation Practices
Insurances Accepted
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Care Network
Aetna