Taiesha Iles, PsyD

I am a Registered Psychological Associate helping parents, teens, and adults feel heard, build confidence, and navigate life’s challenges with compassionate, practical support.

You can love your baby and still miss yourself. You can be the person everyone depends on and still need someone to lean on. You can show up for work, care for your family, and meet your responsibilities while quietly wondering how much longer you can keep doing it all. Therapy can be a place where you stop holding everything together long enough to pay attention to what you need.

I’m Dr. Tai Iles, a Registered Psychological Associate with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. I provide therapy through NewDay NewWay Therapy under the supervision of Dr. Bettye Ford, a licensed psychologist. I work with clients located in California, including young people ages 10–18 and adults. My approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed, with room for honest conversations and practical steps toward change.

**Support during pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood**

Becoming a parent can bring joy alongside sadness, anxiety, frustration, loneliness, or a sense of losing yourself. You may feel pressure to be grateful when you’re exhausted, disconnected, or struggling. Perhaps your experience looks different from what you imagined, and you’re unsure how to talk about it without feeling judged.

I support mothers and fathers during pregnancy and postpartum as they navigate changing identities, relationships, expectations, and emotional needs. Our work may include making space for difficult feelings, strengthening communication with a partner, asking for support, setting boundaries, and reconnecting with parts of yourself beyond your role as a parent.

My doctoral research focused on Black maternal mental health and experiences of depression before and after childbirth. This work deepened my commitment to listening closely to parents whose concerns have been overlooked or minimized. I welcome conversations about how culture, race, family expectations, and experiences within healthcare shape your well-being.

You do not have to feel a certain way about parenthood to deserve support.

**Helping young people find their voice**

Growing up can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to understand yourself while managing school, friendships, family expectations, and social pressure. Some young people become quiet or withdrawn. Others express their distress through frustration, conflict, or emotions that feel difficult to control.

I work with youth ages 10–18 to help them understand their feelings, build confidence, explore identity, and develop ways to respond to everyday challenges. Depending on their needs, we may focus on managing anxiety, communicating more clearly, navigating friendships, setting boundaries, and practicing coping skills.

I aim to give young people space to speak in their own words and feel taken seriously. When appropriate, I also collaborate with parents and caregivers to support communication and help skills carry over into daily life.

**A place for adults who are carrying too much**

You may be facing anxiety, depression, the effects of trauma, relationship difficulties, or a major life transition. Perhaps you’ve noticed patterns you want to change but feel unsure where to begin. You may know what you “should” do and still find it difficult to follow through when you’re stressed, discouraged, or emotionally drained.

I also support adults who feel overwhelmed, undervalued, or unsupported at work. Whether your job involves constant demands or leaves you feeling isolated, a lack of support can affect your confidence, relationships, and life outside work. Therapy offers space to explore those experiences, clarify your needs, and practice boundaries and communication that fit your circumstances.

You do not need to wait until you reach a breaking point. We can begin with whatever is taking up the most space in your life right now.

**Support for substance use recovery**

Recovery can involve much more than stopping substance use. It may also mean learning how to manage difficult emotions, rebuild relationships, respond to triggers, and create a daily life that supports your goals.

I work with clients navigating substance use concerns, relapse prevention, and co-occurring challenges such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Together, we can explore the role substances have played in your life, identify situations that increase vulnerability, and develop practical strategies for responding to cravings and stress.

My approach makes room for honest conversations about motivation, ambivalence, progress, and setbacks. We’ll work toward goals that reflect your needs and support your recovery.

**What working with me may feel like**

I want to understand you beyond a list of symptoms. What has happened in your life? What matters to you? What have you already tried? Where do you feel stuck, and what would you like to be different?

In our initial sessions, we’ll discuss your concerns, relevant history, strengths, and priorities. We’ll develop a treatment plan together and revisit it as we learn what is helpful. You’re welcome to ask questions, share feedback, and tell me when something does not fit your experience.

My work draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. In everyday terms, this may involve exploring connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions; building on what already works; understanding your reasons for change; and practicing new ways to respond to challenges. I select approaches based on your age, needs, goals, and readiness.

Some sessions may focus on processing an experience or understanding a pattern. Others may involve practicing a grounding exercise, preparing for a difficult conversation, identifying triggers, or developing a manageable next step. Throughout our work, we’ll pay attention to how therapy connects with your life beyond the session.

**Beginning where you are**

You may be reaching out for the first time, returning after a difficult therapy experience, or looking for support with something new. You don’t need a polished explanation, a clear goal, or the perfect words.

Maybe you want to feel more like yourself. Maybe you want fewer arguments at home, more confidence in your decisions, or a way to get through the day without feeling so overwhelmed. Those are meaningful places to begin.

If this sounds like the support you’re looking for, I invite you to reach out.