Dr. Tuwana Wingfield

I’m Dr. Tuwana T. Wingfield, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 26 years of experience walking alongside individuals, families, and communities as they navigate life’s challenges. My path into social work began with a deep commitment to advocacy and healing, which led me to earn my BA in Sociology from Purdue University, my MSW from The University of Chicago, and later my PhD in Higher Education Administration from Illinois State University.

Over the years, I’ve worked in many settings—child welfare, PreK–12 schools, community‐based agencies, nonprofits, and employee assistance programs. These experiences shaped my understanding of how personal struggles often intersect with larger systems, and they allow me to support clients with both compassion and practical insight. I also teach human services and social work courses in higher education, which keeps me grounded in culturally responsive practice and connected to emerging research and diverse student perspectives.

Relax! Relate! Release! These are the words that describe my approach to helping you work through life's challenges. My therapy style is warm and interactive; I believe in treating everyone with dignity, respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I collaborate with you to identify the issue or challenge and not label you, thus destigmatizing seeking help. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and dialectical therapy. However, I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan based on your needs. I practice with a sense of cultural humility that positions you as the expert in your life, and my role is to help you build on the strengths that you already possess to address the challenges you face.

In your first session with me, you can expect a warm, collaborative, and culturally responsive space where we slow down, get grounded, and begin building trust. I’ll invite you to share what brings you in, at whatever pace feels comfortable, and I’ll listen closely not just to your words, but to the emotions and experiences underneath them. We’ll talk about your hopes for therapy, what support looks like for you, and any boundaries or preferences you want honored. If you’re unsure where to start, that’s completely okay; I’ll guide the conversation with gentle, open‐ended questions.

My goal in that first session is for you to feel seen, supported, and safe enough to begin exploring your story with honesty and care. Together, we’ll begin shaping a path forward that aligns with your needs, values, and lived experiences. As Maya Angelou said, “Nothing will work unless you do.” Let’s work together to make your life work for you.