Growing up in the inner city, traumatic things happen that are often considered normal. Doors are locked at night, alarms are put on cars, and many carry firearms to protect themselves. This becomes a way of life. Many often witness fights, shootings, domestic violence, and common theft.
In this environment, those events aren’t classified as “traumatic” to those that live there and observe them. However, Tremayne Jones began to notice the impact of such events on children while working in the school setting as an outpatient therapist.
Many misbehaviors are incorrectly categorized as simply “ADHD” or “Oppositional Defiant Disorder”. During intense therapy sessions, Tremayne realized that many of the severe behaviors displayed were a result of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. In kids? Yes. Some of the symptoms include self-destructive behavior, trouble concentrating, anger outbursts, always being on guard, easily startled among other behaviors. Oftentimes, the caregivers had extremely traumatic pasts as well.
Tremayne wanted to create a mental health agency that is technologically savvy (for improved accessibility), innovative, diverse (to represent underserved populations with a diverse set of therapists and evidenced-based. He calls this the new T.I.D.E. of mental health.
After being a school-based therapist for 13 years, he decided to create Betterview Counseling and Trauma Recovery LLC. “After being in and working for the traditional mental health establishments in Berks County, I felt it was time for a change”, Tremayne said. Betterview serviced its first client in January of 2021 when it was only Tremayne. Now, in only a year later, Betterview is experiencing massive growth with 7 therapists, approaching 200 clients, and partnerships with local schools, pediatric offices, and community agencies.
Betterview will move into a much bigger office to accommodate this growth on February 1st; ironically the first day of Black History Month. Tremayne believes that having a mental health conversation in the Black community is very necessary, but it is even more necessary to create both a refuge and a resource for those wanting services or wanting to help others. When it comes to mental health, Tremayne has created a Better View.
Palo Magazine
