Meet Tanisha Ray | Counselor & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tanisha Ray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tanisha, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

I started Ease & Wellness Counseling Services because I wanted people and families to have the possibility of long-term care and support with a trusted clinician. There’s so much stigma surrounding mental health, especially addiction. I wanted to offer compassionate services to people living with substance use disorders and people affected by the substance use of another. I also wanted to offer consulting services to colleagues and organizations by creating culturally responsive, evidence-based, and creative programming. When I worked as a licensed substance abuse counselor in an adult prison, I directed and produced their first inmate-run play. It was a unique yet transformative experience. It showed me the power of the human spirit, collaboration, and creativity. Starting my own private practice would allow me to work with extraordinary clients and community partners, stretch my own personal and professional limitations, and go back to school.

Honestly, I was terrified to go into private practice. There were no guarantees of success. None. On top of that, I was a single parent supporting two children in college, and my daughter just got accepted to veterinary medical school. Why would I disrupt my life and increase the likelihood of poverty? I raised my children in poverty. I remember holding my breath when I’d run my debit card while grocery shopping!

I was terrified that I’d fail, and it would negatively affect my family. Other people thought I’d fail. I was worried about a lot of factors, including charging for services. Despite their experience and education, Black female therapists generally get paid less than other population groups. During this process, I had to reflect on my own feelings of doubt and insecurity. We were doing well. Why make a decision that would risk what we’ve built?

I made the decision to risk what we’ve built because of how we’re built. The challenging experiences I had while raising my children and working in diverse work environments – schools, prisons, and treatment facilities – led me to this decision. Even though I was scared, I was fortunate that I had people who believed in me. I just had to believe in myself. In the beginning, there were a few bumps in the road, but then…everything clicked into place; and it was better than I ever could’ve imagined. It’s been two years since I started my business and enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at Northern Arizona University (NAU). And I’ve exceeded my expectations. I’m honored to work with amazing and resilient clients. I’ve interned at the Southern Arizona Center Against Sexual Assault (SACASA) as a sexual assault crisis advocate. I’ve interned at The International Rescue Committee (IRC) and offered mental health services to refugees and asylum-seekers. I’ve worked alongside community members at AmeriCorps. I’ve supported my peers as an NAU Peer Mentor, and I’ve traveled to Washington D.C. to advocate for policy changes with the Arizona Association of Addiction Professionals (AAAP). I’m graduating in a few weeks, and it’s surreal. And my son is graduating at the same time, which makes this experience so much more meaningful! We did it! I’m glad that I believed in myself. That I believed in us.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Humans are hardwired for stories. It’s how we organize and understand the world and our place within it. Stories are also how we challenge the world. Reveal it. Change it. In addition to counseling, I’m a writer, actor, and artist. I’ve had wonderful experiences acting in Tucson and Phoenix. I’m a member of the Winding Road Theater Ensemble, and I’ve worked with The Scoundrel & Scamp Theatre, Arizona Theatre Company, T’ana Phelice Productions, and even Red Herring Puppets as a puppeteer. I didn’t think this path was possible. However, I pushed myself to try new things and worked with incredible creatives who graciously shared their knowledge and time.

Acting has become an integral part of my life, and I was surprised by how quickly it captured my soul. However, writing is a grounding influence in my life. I’ve written short stories and poetry since childhood. I was the kid who was always reading in class. For me, stories were magic, and I’m excited about my latest project. Picture books are a great way for children to improve their reading skills, develop empathy, and bond with their parents or caregivers. They’re also beneficial for adults who are learning to read in their native or secondary language.

I wanted to write stories that sparked conversations about compassion and empathy. So, I created Danny.
Danny is a 5-year-old kindergartener who lives in a low-income neighborhood with his mother and older brother, Marcus. The Danny Dutterhuff series follows Danny as he learns about the world around him, and each story is centered around a sensitive topic that affects children and families. The first book in the series is Danny Dutterhuff Plays with Dolls, which explores how Danny reacts to being teased for bringing a doll to school. The story is about self-love, tolerance, and bravery.

As an artist and human, I want to write, illustrate, and participate in storytelling that makes people feel seen, heard, and valued, especially vulnerable population groups.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There’s so much to do in the Tucson area, and I hope to see so much more when I graduate! If someone likes the outdoors, I’d recommend visiting Tanque Verde Falls, Mt. Lemmon, Tumamoc Hill, or enjoying the breeze by Silverbell Lake. Tucson has a diverse theater community, so I’d recommend checking out a local performance! If they like the downtown scene, they can spend time on 4th Avenue before heading over to the Agave House or Beaut Burger, which has delicious vegan options. If they’re in Tucson in March, they can attend the Tucson Festival of Books, which is the third largest book festival in the U.S.!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
We’re all interconnected, and success isn’t self-made. I’m fortunate to have a community of people who support, love, and challenge me. I’d like to give a shoutout to my mom, my dad, my friends, and my family, specifically my children, Alia and Xander. I couldn’t imagine my life without my children. Their laughter, insight, compassion, kindness, and spirit inspire me to be a better person. They’re amazing human beings, and I truly appreciate everything they are!

Image Credits
Please credit the three theater production images (the two single photos and the ensemble photo) to Alex J. Alegria. I have his permission to use the photos in the article.