S. Tia Brown, a name increasingly recognized in the mental health field, began her journey in a very different arena—journalism. Tia’s dynamic career spanned several esteemed publications, including Ebony and The New York Times. She further expanded her reach by contributing to nationally syndicated programming, such as The Dr. Oz Show. Her focus on pop culture and storytelling was underscored by practical tips, often exploring the intricate pressures and myriad experiences that shape people’s lives.
As her career progressed, Tia noticed that conversations increasingly gravitated towards one critical theme: mental health. She reflects, “I realized I was already talking about life skills, wellness, and mental health as a journalist … and loved it. Eventually, I decided I wanted that to be my focus.” This revelation led her to pursue a graduate education at New York University’s Silver School of Social Work, where she trained in evidence-based therapeutic practices.
Today, Tia is not just a licensed mental health therapist but also the co-founder of Ready. Set. Grow!, an integrative therapy practice catering to clients across the Washington, D.C. region. Her work focuses on helping individuals navigate the complexities of trauma, demanding careers, complicated family dynamics, and significant life transitions. She articulates that burnout often creeps in silently, long before it becomes apparent.
Burnout Often Begins Earlier Than People Think
When discussing burnout, many conjure images of dramatic exits—people quitting their jobs in frustration or breaking down under pressure. However, Tia emphasizes that burnout is typically a gradual process. “When we think about burnout, we often imagine the final result,” she says. “But burnout symptoms usually start with things like insomnia, irritability, brain fog, or feeling reluctant to get up and start your day.” These early signals can manifest months or even years before individuals recognize them as indicators of deeper distress.
A significant barrier to addressing these symptoms stems from cultural expectations. Many in the workforce have been conditioned to push through exhaustion rather than heed these warning signs. Tia notes, “Hustle culture reinforces the idea that you should keep going no matter what. While being a hustler can be a healthy mentality, it requires balance. You need breaks, support, and boundaries. There has to be time for recovery—and joy.” Without these restorative periods, both physical and mental stress accumulate, impacting concentration, emotional stability, and overall well-being.
The Multiple Pressures Many Professionals Carry
For a significant number of Tia’s clients, burnout does not arise solely from work pressures; rather, it is a product of intertwining responsibilities—professional commitments, family obligations, financial pressures, and broader societal stress. “In many cases, people are dealing with multiple chronic stressors simultaneously,” she explains. The challenge amplifies for high-achieving Black professionals, particularly women, who often juggle career advancement alongside pressing expectations at home and in their communities.
Notably, Black women are earning a large share of bachelor’s and master’s degrees within their communities, representing 65% of Black doctoral degree holders in medicine and dentistry. This achievement often entails a heavy set of personal and professional responsibilities. “That role strain can be significant,” Tia notes, indicating that many are pulled in myriad directions at once. Some manage the dual pressures of raising children while caring for aging parents, all while navigating the demands of a high-stakes career.
With time, these overlapping roles can lead to a steady accumulation of stress that becomes normalized, yet proves difficult to maintain.
Why Therapy Should Be Part of Maintenance
One misconception that Tia frequently encounters is the belief that therapy is only necessary during times of crisis. Her approach, however, highlights a more proactive perspective. “I encourage people to utilize mental health support as a companion on their life’s journey instead of a pit stop,” she asserts. Therapy is most effective when integrated as a regular part of well-being, rather than as a desperate measure taken at a breaking point.
Tia elucidates, “When someone comes in during a crisis, they’re already at a breaking point. Regular support helps connect clients with transformative tools and resources that reduce suffering.” This consistent engagement allows individuals to identify patterns in their thought processes, fortify coping mechanisms, and establish healthier boundaries long before stress escalates into burnout.
Building a Space for Honest Conversations
Through her establishment of Ready. Set. Grow!, Tia aimed to create a safe and open space for these critical discussions. The practice, which includes a diverse selection of therapists, allows clients to book sessions with practitioners whose methodologies resonate with their personal needs. Conducting sessions primarily via telehealth, Tia’s practice broadens access to those whose schedules may otherwise limit their opportunities for support.
Finding a suitable therapist is a vital element of the therapeutic process. “Therapy is similar to dating,” Tia explains. “You have to see if there’s alignment and connection.” If it doesn’t feel like the right fit, it doesn’t indicate that therapy isn’t beneficial; it merely suggests the need to find a better match. The practice addresses a variety of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and significant life changes. At its core, Tia emphasizes that therapy provides a unique setting for individuals to candidly share their experiences.
“A lot of people don’t have spaces where they can fully express their feelings. You can’t always tell your boss or family how overwhelmed you are. Therapy creates a space for those honest conversations,” she shares.
Healthiness Over Happiness
Tia describes her therapeutic approach as straightforward and focused on fostering meaningful change. “I’m a straight shooter,” she admits. While she is intuitive and patient, her primary aim is to guide individuals towards healthier choices. A crucial distinction she underscores is between happiness and well-being. “People talk a lot about happiness,” she says, “but happiness and healthiness are not always the same thing.”
Temporary moments of relief may feel gratifying, but lasting well-being necessitates more intentional decisions. Making boundaries, addressing unresolved trauma, and confronting stagnant patterns can be uncomfortable, yet they are essential for growth.
For Tia, therapy serves as a platform to navigate these pivotal decisions with clarity. “I try to be the best companion I can be on someone’s journey,” she reflects. The goal is to help clients initiate healthier decisions, enabling them to construct lives that genuinely promote wellbeing and fulfillment.
Ultimately, mental health and wellness underpin every facet of our lives. Professionals who prioritize consistent support in these areas are better equipped to fully engage with joy and effectively tackle the challenges that arise in their personal and professional realms. These principles inform Tia’s work with Ready. Set. Grow!, focusing on one client at a time.
Tia Brown is a licensed therapist and co-founder of Ready. Set. Grow!, a therapy practice serving clients throughout the Washington, D.C. area. The practice provides telehealth sessions with a diverse team of practitioners specializing in various fields.
To learn more or book a session, visit rsgtherapy.com.
