Tesica Starkey
Therapist, LCSW
Tesica Starkey is a licensed clinical social worker with clinical experience providing treatment in community mental health to children, adolescents and families. They hold a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and a Master of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma.
Before coming to Green Shoe, Tesica primarily treated adolescents with histories of trauma, substance abuse and problematic sexual behavior. Tesica also led DBT groups and fell in love with the relational healing that can happen in the group space amongst members, not just between client and therapist. Tesica feels passionate about creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking mental health treatment.
Tesica uses a combination of interventions through EMDR, IFS and DBT to incorporate mindfulness practices and parts work into trauma processing. Additionally, they enjoy integrating concepts from Kristin Neff’s work on self-compassion to encourage clients’ capacity for self-kindness, mindfulness, and awareness of their common humanity. Tesica’s therapeutic approach is designed to support clients in navigating and healing from the impact of trauma while promoting body awareness and increasing felt safety.
Outside of their professional work, Tesica enjoys spending time with their partner and participating in some of their favorite hobbies: birdwatching, reading, being outdoors, drinking coffee, and caring for their plants. Tesica believes in the power of connection, both in nature and in therapy, and strives to create a safe, supportive space for their clients to heal and grow.