Dr. Erica Tatum-Sheade, LCSW

10/28/2025

We have a new addition to the team at ! Help me give a warm welcome to Maddie!

10/25/2025

Another great class day with class 40 in the bag!

Yesterday we spent the day learning about some of the rich history of Scottsdale and visiting some unique places right in our backyard.

The crazy part is learning how “young” the city itself actually is and how much growth has taken place in the last few years.

10/23/2025

The other day one of my bracelets snapped as I was rushing out the door, beads everywhere. I laughed and said I must’ve lost my mojo.

But it stuck with me.

Depending on your beliefs, a broken bracelet can mean change, protection, healing… or just a mess to sweep up. For me, it became a reminder.

So in group on Monday, we made friendship bracelets, each one anchored by a single word we needed to stay authentic in our relationships.

The first word that came to mind for me was KIND.
Because kindness costs nothing, yet means everything.

In a world where negativity gets the clicks, let’s choose to be kind, to others, and to ourselves.

10/18/2025

Layla is traveling the country! 💛📚

It’s been amazing to see Layla Goes to Therapy making its way into homes, therapy rooms, and schools around the U.S. and I’d love your help getting her to all 50 states! 🌎

If you’ve purchased a copy or downloaded the activity book, drop a photo in the comments or tag me so I can add your state to the map.

And if you’re a therapist who wants a copy for your office, send me a message I’ll make sure Layla finds her way to you too. 💛

https://amzn.to/4hnR3Nu

10/17/2025

📚
Our Play Therapy Book Club has been on fire lately, every month we’ve been diving into powerful reads that stretch our hearts 💛 and sharpen our clinical skills.

This November, we’re exploring Empower Children Through Play Therapy by Deana Rush Davis a must-read for anyone passionate about helping kids heal and thrive through play.

If you love growing in community with other play therapists, come join us! Grab your spot through Arizona Institute For Advanced Psychotherapy Training

Let’s keep learning, laughing, and empowering together.

10/13/2025

The rain’s not stopping our shine! ☀️
Rooted® workbooks are printed and ready to go!! Another round of girls stepping into courage, connection, and confidence starts today!

10/08/2025

Even though I’m not at the Association for Play Therapy Conference this year (missing my TheraFriends deeply), the spirit of play travels with me.

Layla and I hit the road to San Jose for the Biennial conference with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, because advocacy, empowerment, and play can coexist beautifully. 🖤 💛

Wherever I go, I carry the message that play heals, representation matters, and brave kids deserve to see themselves reflected in the stories we tell.

Have you grabbed your digital download of Layla Goes to Therapy: Coloring & Activity Book yet? It’s the perfect companion for brave, brilliant kids exploring big feelings.
**Link in bio**

10/07/2025

Did you know Layla Goes To Therapy is available in hardcover?!?

Grab a copy for your office today

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

10/04/2025

I used to laugh and say I was born to do this work; helping people step into their confidence and power.

Turns out the DNA 🧬 doesn’t lie. I was truly born to lead in this space.

From girls finding their voice, to women reclaiming their power, to clinicians learning how to empower others, this is my life’s mission.

“I am not afraid. I was born to do this.” – Joan of Arc

10/03/2025

We end each group with our “Cheesy Poem”.

Each poem is unique and written based upon the group, it has different clues for the parting gift each girl receives. I found these spot of confidence books awhile back and had to include them in this year’s parting gift for our elementary group.

It’s honestly one of my favorite parts of group, stringing together what we’ve learned and the stories we shared.

It’s always an honor to share this space with the girls.

10/01/2025

October is here. A brand new month. A fresh page.

I always think of the first day of the month as an invitation to pause and reset. To look back at what’s been heavy, what’s been good, and what I want to carry forward.

This season reminds me that growth doesn’t always happen loud or fast. Sometimes it’s quiet shifts, steady roots, and the courage to keep showing up, even when it feels uncertain.

So here’s my reminder (for me and for you):
🌟 You don’t have to have it all figured out.
🌟 You can start again today.
🌟 You are worthy of the joy, peace, and possibilities this month will bring.

Here’s to October. Let’s walk into it with courage and connection.