Dr. Erica Tatum-Sheade, LCSW

12/21/2025

Yesterday I had the opportunity to gather with my fellow Scottsdale Leadership, Inc. Class 40 Folks to meet for our PLIF Project. This year will be working Horses Help, a nonprofit that provides therapeutic and recreational horsemanship opportunities to children and adults with physical, cognitive, and behavioral challenges, including the at-risk and military populations.

Stay tuned for more details on this project and ways you can help support our work.

12/18/2025

Last emails sent.
Last notes signed.
Winter break has officially begun in the Sheade household.
Stepping away to rest, reset, and be present.
Wishing you a gentle close to the year!

12/18/2025

We did it. And then we surpassed the goal.

After reviewing our end-of-year numbers, I’m proud to share that 328 girls have completed the G.E.M.S. Program 💎

I’m deeply grateful to every girl who participated, every family who trusted us, and everyone who helped spread the word or made a referral. This work only grows through community.

And this is just the beginning.
• 2026 groups are already scheduled
• Our first G.E.M.S. facilitator training is on the calendar
• So much more is coming

Thank you for believing in this vision, and in the power of girls when they’re supported, seen, and strengthened.

12/17/2025

It’s not midnight yet in Arizona, so I’m screaming Happy Birthday to the amazing Terry Kottman 🎉
Thank you for serving as the third reader for my doctoral research and for being such a steady, generous support in the work I do. I’m deeply grateful for your mentorship and presence in this field.

12/11/2025

Today’s teens are navigating vulnerability in a world of screenshots, group chats, and constant visibility. No wonder trust feels risky…

https://www.ericatatumsheadelcsw.com/post/building-bridges-teaching-teens-about-trust-and-vulnerability

12/09/2025

The end of the year is approaching faster than I want to admit.

There is still one more opportunity to train with me before the year ends!

This training is approved for 3 CEs from both AZ-NASW and Association for Play Therapy (approved provider number #25-760)

Do you love using books as much as I do? Are you looking for ways to incorporate stories intentionally in your play therapy sessions? Click below to learn more.

Integrating Bibliotherapy and Play in the Playroom: Unlock the healing potential of stories woven into play therapy.

12/08/2025

This is the first Monday since August with no group running, and I’m realizing why this work pulls me back every single season.

Every week, I get to witness girls become braver, kinder to themselves, and more rooted in who they are.

Swipe to learn why this group works and why I keep doing this.

Interested in joining or leading a group learn more here —> https://subscribepage.io/gems-girls-empowerment

12/05/2025

BIG NEWS: Two New Empowerment Groups Launching in 2026!

We’re gearing up for an incredible year at Integrated Mental Health Associates and I’m thrilled to announce two NEW groups designed to support courage, connection, and real personal growth.

💎 G.E.M.S. High School B.R.A.V.E. Edition
For girls ready to build resilience, leadership skills, and the confidence to handle real-life challenges. This group blends emotional wellness, belonging, and hands-on activities that help girls discover their brave.

🔥 Boldly Rising: The Becoming
A transformative experience for women who are ready to step into the next version of themselves with clarity, courage, and intention. Think deep reflection, guided growth, and powerful community.

Both groups are built on evidence-based frameworks and years of clinical experience supporting youth and adults through meaningful change.

If you know a girl who would thrive in G.E.M.S. BRAVE or a woman who’s ready to step into their Becoming share this post or tag them below. 💛

✨learn more here —> https://www.integratedmha.com/group-registration

Question for the community:
What’s one word you want to embody in 2026? Drop it below. See my answer in the comments.

12/01/2025

It’s December 1st, and this morning I did what I do every year on the 1st, I opened the first door of my advent calendar and savored that simple little chocolate. There’s something almost sacred about this ritual. Not because the chocolate is fancy (it’s not), but because it asks me to pause. To notice. To be present for just one small, sweet moment before the day rushes in.

In a season that can feel like one long sprint toward the finish line, advent calendars remind us of something we desperately need: the beauty of anticipation. The gift of taking things one day at a time.
The permission to find joy in something small and simple.

This December, what if we treated ourselves the way we treat that advent calendar? What if we gave ourselves permission to slow down, to savor the moment we’re in rather than racing ahead to the next thing? Our kids need us present. Our families need us grounded. And honestly? We need it too.

So here’s to December 1st. Here’s to simple chocolate and sacred pauses.

Here’s to slowing down enough to actually experience this season instead of just surviving it.

What’s your favorite way to slow down during this busy season? Post below, I’d love to hear it.

11/29/2025

What do you do when you’ve been up since 4am and your whole family is sleeping soundly?

You practice being still, listening and waiting.

Till you can’t anymore and the need to create something powerful takes over.

There’s one month left in this year and I’m looking ahead to 2026.

New stories
New groups
New trainings

11/20/2025

Most folks know that alongside , I also co-own the Arizona Institute for Advanced Psychotherapy Training () with . It’s the development + training arm of our work—where we design creative, intentional learning spaces for clinicians who want deeper, braver, more grounded practice.

And you guys… I’m excited.

Next week, our email subscribers get first access to the 2026 schedule.
Trainer contracts went out last week.
CE applications are in.
The room is ready.
Your seat is waiting.

Let’s grow together.

11/16/2025

Last week was full of celebration, the kind that fills your cup in the best way.✨

First up: cheering on Brandie Reiner as she received the Athena Young Professional Award. Watching her work and dedication to the Social Work field get recognized was such a proud moment. I was honored to be in the room.

And then last night, I attended the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter, Legends Event — celebrating 10 years of advocacy for Black women and girls in health, education, and economic empowerment.

This year’s Legends were:
• Dr. Rachel M. Bond
• Zel Fowler
• Angelica Prescord
• Senator Kiana Sears
• Dr. Lois Brown

A whole week of witnessing brilliance, leadership, and legacy. My heart is full.