Dr. La-Toya Gaines

05/16/2026

May holds two important things for me this year:

Mental Health Awareness Month and the 10-year anniversary of Family Matters Counseling.

Both invite me to pause and reflect.

I think about the vision I had when I started.
I think about the people and families who trusted me.
I think about the growth the, lessons, the challenges, and the quiet moments that reminded me this work matters!

For 10 years, Family Matters Counseling has been part of helping people name what hurts, heal what is heavy, and move towards healthier ways of living and coping.

That is something I don't take lightly.

This month I'm celebrating this milestone with gratitude and continuing to honor the importance of mental health awareness, support, and care.

04/22/2026

As I get closer to the 2-year anniversary of the second edition of my book, I feel proud, grateful, and reflective.

This book is one of the quiet ways I have used my voice, my skills, and my work as a therapist to support strong Black women.

I may not always move loudly, but I have been building something meaningful.

And in this season, I am learning to be more vocal about that.

To stop downplaying my gifts. To stop minimizing the value of what I offer.

Quiet impact is still impact!

If you've been growing quietly too, I'd love to hear what this season is teaching you 💛

04/19/2026

My first time attending the Midwestern Psychological Association conference this weekend in Chicago was such a good experience.

I was there representing BGCSM and supporting our psychology interns and program coordinator as they presented their posters, and I left feeling so proud of them. Watching them stand beside their work, speak with confidence, and engage with other professionals was a reminder of how important it is to create spaces where growth, learning, and leadership can be nurtured.

I also got to sit in on some really thoughtful presentations and connect with amazing students and professionals throughout the weekend. It was energizing, inspiring, and a beautiful reminder that being in the right rooms can stretch you in all the best ways.

So grateful for the experience and excited for what’s ahead.

03/23/2026

We’re creating space for depth, honesty, and courage.

Join us for a powerful Fireside Chat with Dr. La-Toya Gaines:

🔥 The Brave Space: Embracing the Power of Vulnerability

In a world that often equates leadership with armor, this conversation invites something different — truth.

Vulnerability is not weakness.
It is strength with self-awareness.
It is leadership with humanity.

This intimate dialogue will explore how creating brave spaces — internally and externally — allows us to lead with authenticity, resilience, and deeper connection.

📍 Myrtle Beach, SC
📅 May 11–14, 2026

Experience it at Black Woman Leading® LIVE! 2026
Register at bwlretreat.com

03/06/2026

You're not independent.
You're unsupported.

Independence is empowering when it's chosen.

But being unsupported is something you adapt to.

You learned to handle everything because you had to.

That doesn't mean you were meant to.

#

02/06/2026

✨ Big Update ✨

I’m officially credentialed through PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact)!

What does that mean?

It means I can now provide telehealth therapy services to clients in participating PSYPACT states, not just Michigan.

For the women and families I serve, this means:
✔️ Greater access to culturally responsive care
✔️ Continuity of care if you relocate
✔️ Fewer geographic barriers to getting support

Access matters. Representation matters. And expanding safe, affirming mental health care across state lines is something I’m deeply proud of.

If you’ve been waiting for this… we may now be able to work together. 💛

11/24/2025

✨ I’m honored, y’all. ✨
Voyage Michigan invited me to share my story as part of their Hidden Gems series, and the interview is officially live!

In it, I talk about how this journey started, what led me to build Family Matters Counseling, and why supporting Strong Black Women in releasing the burden of strength has become my life’s work.

If you’ve ever connected with my workshops, my journal, my posts about vulnerability, or the mission behind my practice, this feature offers a deeper look into the “why” behind it all.

I’m grateful for the chance to uplift our stories and remind Black women everywhere that softness, rest, and joy are not optional… they’re necessary.

💛 Read the full interview here:
https://voyagemichigan.com/interview/hidden-gems-meet-la-toya-s-gaines-of-family-matters-counseling-and-psychological-services-inc

Thank you for celebrating with me. 💛

Today we’d like to introduce you to La-Toya S. Gaines. Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?You know, my journey really started long before I ever became “Dr. La-Toya.” I grew up [...

02/27/2025

I'll be LIVE on YouTube tonight with Strong Black Woman Support Group sharing tips and strategies for finding a therapist!! Make sure to join us tonight at 7p!
We're going to cover:
✨️Where to start when you're looking for a therapist
✨️ Questions to ask
✨️Red flags to watch out for
✨️Finding someone who fits your budget

📌Set a reminder and bring your questions!!

02/17/2025

Let’s be real—life isn’t slowing down, and neither are the demands placed on Black women.
💡 That’s why taking intentional time to nourish yourself is so important.

This group is your chance to do that!! We start Tuesday, February 18th at 7p.

Let’s embrace vulnerability and grow together.
📅 Register here:
https://fmcounselingmichigan.com/nourish-strong-black-woman/

02/17/2025

Breaking Barriers:

Mae Jemison became the first Black woman in space, proving that there are no limits to what we can achieve.

She once said, “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.” 🚀