Tonya McDaniel

With almost two decades of experience in psychology and sexuality, Tonya McDaniel, MEd, MSW, LCSW, brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to her role as a therapist and Director of Program Development at The Center for Growth. Her philosophy is rooted in the belief that most individuals have good intentions and are striving to do their best with the tools at their disposal. This compassionate outlook forms the foundation of her therapeutic approach, which aims to create a nurturing space where clients can celebrate their accomplishments, identify areas for growth, and expand their resources to overcome conflicts.

Tonya's therapeutic toolkit is as diverse as the clients she serves. She skillfully employs a variety of modalities, including strengths-based, cognitive behavioral, narrative, psychodynamic, existential, and systemic therapies. This adaptability allows her to tailor her approach to each client's unique needs, embodying various roles from cheerleader and champion to educator, advocate, empathetic listener, and mediator.

Her expertise spans a wide range of 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. Tonya also has significant experience in specific life-adjustment areas, such as transition-to-parenthood, LGBTQ+ orientation, multicultural issues, and intellectual disabilities.

Tonya's passion for helping people achieve their full potential extends beyond her clinical work. She has presented at national conferences, served on multiple interdisciplinary teams, created sexuality curricula, trained staff on sensitive issues, and advised agencies developing sexual relationship policies. Her commitment to the field is further exemplified by her current work on a book about babyloss, which she has recently published: "Living With Babyloss: Navigating the Grief and Uncertainties of Losing a Pregnancy."

Academically, Tonya is well-credentialed, holding a Master in Social Work and a Master in Education in Human Sexuality from Widener University. Her international perspective was broadened by a year studying psychology at the Université du Mirail in Toulouse, France. As of 2023, she is in the final stages of completing her PhD, further deepening her expertise in her field.

Tonya McDaniel's approach to therapy is characterized by its multifaceted nature, strong research foundation, and adaptability to individual client needs. Whether working with individuals, couples, or groups, she brings her extensive knowledge, empathetic understanding, and commitment to personal growth to each therapeutic relationship, helping clients navigate their challenges and work towards fulfilling their potential.