Tonya McDaniel, MEd, MSW, LCSW (Therapist & Director of Professional Development)

Tonya McDaniel (she/her/hers) is a licensed clinical social worker who has been working in the field of psychology and sexuality for almost 20 years. Her philosophic outlook is that most people have good intentions and are trying to do the best that they can given the tools they have at their disposal. Her goal as a therapist is to help create a space where clients can feel good about their accomplishments, identify areas that they want to improve, and expand their resources and skills to overcome conflict. She is able to accomplish this by employing a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as strengths-based, cognitive behavioral, narrative, psychodynamic, existential and systemic therapy.

Tonya's strong background in research and education enables her to provide clients a multifaceted perspective on the issues they are facing. She is able to adapt her approach according to the needs of the individual. She will take on the role of a cheerleader, champion, educator, advocate, empathetic listener, and mediator to support clients in reaching their goals.


Currently, Tonya provides individual, couples and group psychotherapy to people who are struggling with various issues, including anxiety, OCD, neurodiversity, ADHD, depression, post-partum depression, babyloss, low self-esteem, eating disorders, trauma, grief & loss, sexual functioning, parenting young children, and relationship challenges including polyamory. In addition, Tonya has experience with specific life-adjustment areas, such as transition-to-parenthood, GLBTQ orientation, multicultural issues and intellectual disabilities.

Tonya’s passion for helping people achieve their full potential has led her to present at national conferences; serve on multiple interdisciplinary teams; create sexuality curricula; train staff on sensitive issues; and advise agencies developing sexual relationship policies. Currently she is in process of writing a book on babyloss.

Tonya graduated from Widener University with a Master in Social Work and a Master in Education in Human Sexuality. Additionally, Tonya spent a year studying psychology at the Université du Mirail in Toulouse, France. She is currently working on her PhD that she anticipates obtaining in 2023.

BOOK PUBLISHED

Living With Babyloss: Navigating the Grief and Uncertainties of Losing a Pregnancy
Living With Babyloss: Navigating the Grief and Uncertainties of Losing a Pregnancy

NPI: 1114442357

Licensure:

  • Pennsylvania: SW134184
  • Virginia: VA: 0904015874
  • New Jersey: NJ: 35S100554000

Tonya McDaniel, MEd, MSW, LCSW (Therapist & Director of Professional Development)’s Latest TIPs:

Stopping Anxious Thoughts
Stopping Anxious Thoughts image

Our prefrontal cortex is one of our greatest developmental achievements and challenges. On the one hand, it allows us to perform complex executive functions (e.g., problem solving, judgement, memory, impulse …


Virtual Reality Therapy Services
Virtual Reality Therapy Services image

VIRTUAL REALITY: AT THE FOREFRONT OF TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES WITH 3D SIMULATIONS TO TREAT MENTAL DISORDERS

The Center for Growth offers Virtual Reality (VR) as one of their innovative services for …


Overcoming Negativity Bias
Overcoming Negativity Bias image

Overcoming negativity bias is far more complicated than most people imagine. Though we often split the world into optimists and pessimists, the reality is our brains are hypervigilant to threats …


Use Your Anger Wisely
Use Your Anger Wisely image

All across the world, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or culture, babies are born predisposed to express certain emotions. We call these primary emotions, meaning that they are the first …


Accessing Your Wise Mind
Accessing Your Wise Mind image

Considering the fast pace of our world, it is not surprising that we may engage in reactive responses or employ knee-jerk decisions. However, if we can find a way to …