Hi, I’m tahirah gaillard. Owner, Therapist & coach!
I was born in Philly and grew up in New Orleans, LA. My parents, two older brothers, and I lived a fairly “normal” life. My dad, a catholic deacon, is a steadfast advocate for those most in need, championing programs that empower low-income and unhoused individuals, support returning citizens in their rehabilitation journey, and provide nourishing food through community pantries. His dedication to service extends through Catholic formation, weaving faith and purpose into each initiative and touching countless lives with compassion and unwavering commitment.. My mother, a former preschool teacher turned librarian, is a dedicated partner in ministry alongside my father. With a heart for empowering young women, she has founded and champions numerous programs that foster self-love and confidence—offering charm and etiquette courses, mentoring, and sisterhood and rites of passage initiatives that inspire and guide young ladies in their journey to self-discovery. It’s safe to say that my passion for helping others is deeply rooted.
After dreams of becoming a princess/ballerina/hairdresser (yes, all three at the same time) gracefully faded, I turned to teaching—following in my mother's footsteps and drawn by the promise of summers and holidays off (or so I thought!). With a bachelor’s and master’s in education, I embarked on my career in the classroom. Yet, over the years, as countless ‘Tea Time’ chats with my students centered around life’s challenges, I felt a deeper calling. Embracing this purpose, I returned to school to earn my master’s in clinical mental health, stepping fully into the world of mental health advocacy and support.
In December 2023, I completed my studies with a commitment to serve my community through mental health, education, and advocacy—a mission that’s both personal and professional. I’ve seen too many suffer in silence due to stigma, lack of representation, and financial constraints, and I strive to be part of the solution. Inspired by the African Adinkra symbol Sankofa, meaning ‘to return and retrieve it,’ I aim to help others acknowledge and heal from their past so they can create brighter tomorrows.
As a therapist and coach, my passion lies in inspiring confidence and nurturing resilience in all people, especially women. I work with those navigating life’s challenges, whether they’re processing past experiences or looking for support on their journey to wholeness. My areas of focus include self-esteem and confidence, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, and relationship building—not just romantically but in all areas of life. Every woman deserves to walk through life with her head held high, her crown unshaken.
I’d be honored to walk alongside you on your path toward healing and wholeness, helping you release the burdens that trauma may have placed on you. Together, we’ll work toward the freedom and fulfillment you deserve.
Education:
The EMDR International Association(EMDRIA) -Dec. 2023
Neumann University, Master of Science in Clinical Health Counseling- Dec. 2023
Neumann University, Master of Science in Education- Aug, 2016
Neumann University, Bachelors of Arts in Education- Dec. 2012
Memberships:
American Counseling Association- Since 2022
Peer-to-Peer BIPOC support for Clinicals- since 2023
Alpha Omega Nu chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, International Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society- since 2022
Certified Reiki Instructor- Since 2024
Certified Zumba Instructor (Zin Membership) – Since 2016
My Approach
My therapy and life coaching approach can be described as integrative, blending clinical mental health insights with practical coaching techniques to foster holistic personal growth and relational well-being. Here’s how my approach stands out
1. Client-Centered and Strength-Based
I meet clients where they are, emphasizing their strengths rather than focusing solely on their challenges. By empowering clients to recognize their own capabilities, I help cultivate resilience and confidence in both therapy and life coaching sessions.
2. Holistic and Relationship-Focused
Recognizing that relationships are at the heart of the human experience, my approach focuses on helping clients improve all kinds of relationships—romantic, familial, professional, and their relationship with themselves. I support clients in setting healthy boundaries, improving communication, and fostering emotional intelligence.
3. Evidence-Based with a Therapeutic Foundation
Leveraging my master’s in education and mental clinical health, I incorporate evidence-based therapeutic practices into my coaching. This provides a strong psychological foundation, addressing both surface-level goals and underlying mental health concerns.
4. Educational and Practical
I provide clients with actionable tools, skills, and frameworks from an educational background. Whether through goal-setting exercises, self-awareness activities, or communication techniques, I give clients the knowledge they need to navigate life with confidence.
5. Compassionate Accountability
My coaching style is compassionate yet accountability-driven. I support clients empathetically and hold them accountable to their goals, ensuring they experience measurable progress and personal growth over time.
6. Understanding Cultural Backgrounds:
I take the time to learn about each client's cultural heritage, values, and traditions, recognizing how these influence their perspectives, experiences, and goals. This awareness helps me provide respectful and relevant care to each individual’s unique background.
7. Creating a Safe and Inclusive Space:
My practice is dedicated to fostering a welcoming environment where clients of all cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds feel seen and understood. I strive to create a non-judgmental space where clients can share openly without fear of bias or misunderstanding.ach client.
8. Integrating Faith and Spirituality:
For clients who wish to incorporate their faith or spirituality, I offer support that aligns with their beliefs. Whether it involves prayer, spiritual discussions, or simply respecting faith-based values, I adapt my approach to honor and integrate these elements into our sessions.
9. Personalizing Approaches Based on Cultural Norms:
I recognize that cultural norms can influence how clients perceive and address challenges. By tailoring my methods to align with these norms, I ensure that my coaching and therapy are both effective and culturally sensitive.
10. Respecting Faith in Goal-Setting:
I work with clients to set goals that are not only achievable but also in harmony with their cultural and spiritual values. This holistic approach ensures that our work aligns with their deeper sense of purpose and identity.
11. Continual Learning and Adaptation:
I commit to ongoing education and self-reflection to enhance my cultural competence. By staying informed and open to learning, I ensure that my practice evolves with my client's diverse needs, offering support that respects and honors their cultural and spiritual.
This integrative approach creates a supportive and structured environment where clients can heal, grow, and achieve personal and relational goals. My approach helps create a therapeutic and coaching experience that is inclusive, respectful, and attuned to each client's unique cultural and spiritual dimensions.
Say Hello to Justin!
Justin is a 3rd-year Graduate Student in Neumann University's Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program; the anticipated graduation date is May 2025. As a graduate student clinician, Justin enjoys journeying with a client. In addition, working with individuals to become the person they want to see! Justin also received his bachelor's degree in psychology from Neumann University. Justin has worked in higher education for a year, building interpersonal connections with diverse groups of people. Within this past year, he began his work in helping people of color prioritize their mental and emotional well-being. Justin's work is rooted in providing a safe and welcoming space for those he is working with. As a growing clinician, Justin is grounded in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) & Person-Centered therapy, understanding that you (the client) have the power to create your new future.
Modalities: Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Therapy, Rational Emotive Therapy.
Why the name Well center?
Growing up in church, I was fascinated by the folks in the bible who were “real,” the ones who messed up and had to be forgiven (which is all of them and us). For some reason, the Women at the Well stood out to me. I mean, here is this woman who is “living her best life,” or so we may say, in today’s world, but really, she was probably hurting and seeking love in all the wrong places. Then boom, she finds herself talking to THE MAN. The one who could love all that hurt and pain and make her whole, and he met her at THE WELL. The Well was where she was seeking to quench her physical thirst, and she was left with living water and a promise never to thirst again.
so, do i have to be a Christian to work with you?
NOT AT ALL!
I work with any and everyone. My beliefs influence my work in many ways, but the biggest, most important way is LOVE. I simply love all people and desire to show love all the time. I don’t preach or quote scripture unless you want that, and I’m not converting anyone. I am just here to listen and journey with you.