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Hello, I'm TJ.

Mental Health Coach.
Survivor. Advocate. Consultant.

I deeply understand what it's like to struggle with anxiety, chronic pain and depression because I've lived it. My childhood experiences left me feeling unsafe, unworthy and often unable to connect with others. Those feelings continued into adulthood, along with the constant headaches, nausea, fatigue and disordered eating habits. What I've learned over time is that persistent physical pain is often a sign of deep emotional pain and the ensuing stress it's caused. This helped me understand how trauma and loss changes us. But more importantly, it helped me understand how to heal.

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Realizing that we can use the tools of the body to help shift our mood and our minds changed my life.

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Now I'm on a mission to help other people overcome their challenges, manage chronic issues and to find some relief in the process. I am a certified Yoga + Mindfulness Teacher with a Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University. I have spent more than 20 years studying the research of emotion regulation, trauma and loss – and implementing those findings in my own life and with hundreds of clients from across the US.

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BUT, if you're anything like me, asking for help when your'e struggling or feeling overwhelmed can be hard. It's uncomfortable to let someone in and witness all of your messiness. I get it. It took years for me to believe that I am worth it, to understand that being "sensitive" isn't a bad thing and to realize that as a trauma survivor I might need a little extra support. And that's okay. If you'd like help just learning your options or getting connected to resources, even if that's not me, please don't hesitate to reach out. I know the process can feel like a lot or too much, and you don't have to go through it alone.

Approach & Style

I believe in a nervous-system approach, which recognizes the role of the brain and the conditioning of the nervous system on your ability to navigate change and challenging situations. This means using science-backed techniques to help reduce the physical and emotional toll of stress. My coaching style is grounded in neuroscience and psychology with a deep understanding of the implications of body-based stress and memories on our capacity to heal.

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I am also a huge proponent of trauma-informed care, which is a framework that acknowledges the prevalence of trauma and the impact it has on your sense of self, your sense of others and your beliefs about the world. In the work we do together, I will always prioritize safety, collaboration, choice and transparency.

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Most importantly, I believe that being cared for, respected, understood, and connected to others can have a profound effect on your health. Positive relationships are healing relationships. That's why I chose to become a mental health coach, because I don't believe your path to recovery and resilience should be completely sterile or clinical in nature. In our coaching sessions, I'll show you how to be vulnerable and genuine by being that way myself.

Training & Experience

  • Clinical Psychology, M.Ed, Teachers College, Columbia University (2018)

  • Counseling, M.Ed, University of New Orleans (ongoing)

  • Contemplative Psychotherapy Certificate, Nalanda Institute (2016)

  • 200-Hour Certified Yoga Teacher Training, Yoga to the People (2011)

  • Trauma Conscious Yoga Training, Nityda Gessel, LCSW, E-RYT, TIYT (2019)

  • Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness Training, David Treleaven PhD (2019)

  • Restorative Yoga Teacher Training, Bend + Bloom Yoga (2015)

  • Prenatal Yoga Certification, Integral Yoga Institute (2014)

  • Yoga for Labor and Delivery Certification, Integral Yoga Institute (2016)

  • Embodied Social Justice Training, The Embody Lab (2021)

  • Embodied Dignity and Boundaries Training, Jane Clapp (2021)

  • Somatics, Trauma and Resilience, Strozzi Institute (2020)

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  • Movement and Mindfulness Practitioner (2003 - present)

    • Nervous system informed practices through a trauma-informed lens​

  • Health Promotion Workshop Designer + Coordinator (2015 - present)

    • ​Customized programming that communicates current trends in stress management + trauma recovery.

  • Expressive Therapies Group Facilitator, The Motherhoood Center (2017 - present)

    • Part of the clinical team supporting new and expecting moms struggling with PMADs​

  • Health Sciences Specialist, Department of Veterans Affairs (2020 - present)

    • Part of a national initiative to mitigate suicide risk among transitioning servicemembers + veterans

  • Mindfulness Coach, Warner Media and NYC MTA (2018 - 2021)

    • Corporate group coaching for employees targeting workplace stress​

  • Trauma-Informed Programming, Back to Humanity (2018 - 2020)

    • Non-profit work supporting victims of sex trafficking through yoga + mindfulness

Contact

I'm always looking for opportunities to connect.

Please don't hesitate to reach out!

Email: info@tjhalliday.com

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