Today we’d like to introduce you to Tova McCall.
Hi Tova, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m originally from Toronto, Canada, and moved to the U.S. in 2014. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto, studying Psychology and Sociology, and later earned a second Bachelor’s degree in Education from OISE in Toronto.
Originally, I planned to work within the court system and ended up volunteering with the Parole Preparation Project in New York instead. I also have a strong artistic side, so after undergrad I worked in fashion as a stylist and visual merchandiser for French Connection UK. Working as a stylist was incredible. I met so many interesting people and attended amazing events, and collaborated with exceptional photographers. The challenge was that to support myself, I had to waitress on my days off, which became exhausting.
That experience led me back to school to pursue my degree in Education. I worked as a French teacher in both Toronto and New York for several years before realizing I wanted to return to my original field of study: psychology. In 2018, I completed my MSW at Hunter College.
After graduate school, I worked as a school social worker, and eventually transitioned into private practice. In 2020, I joined Resolution Counseling Center in Jersey City, where I significantly expanded my clinical skillset. I later became the Executive Director of the Jersey City office, which was deeply fulfilling work.
In 2024, I decided to take the leap and open my own solo private practice. It was a significant risk, especially choosing to operate fully out-of-network, but it paid off. I’m happier than ever. I work four days a week, with Thursdays and weekends off, see about 20 clients weekly, and have time for my athletic pursuits, creative interests, and, most importantly, my kids.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to where I am today hasn’t been completely smooth, there have definitely been twists and turns. That said, I’m the kind of person who, when I have a goal in mind, goes after it. More often than not, it works out. I rarely look back or second-guess my decisions, and I tend to trust that I’ll succeed, which, so far, has proven true.
When I first applied to undergrad, I didn’t get into the school I wanted. I reapplied the following year and was accepted. Later, when I applied to teachers college, my husband and I both applied to the same school at the same time (him for his MBA) and we were both accepted, which aligned well with our relationship and career paths.
When we decided to move to the U.S. (my husband was already a dual citizen), I applied for citizenship through my father, who was born there, and was granted citizenship quickly. I secured a teaching job in New York before we even moved. I was accepted into the first (and only) Master’s program I applied to in the U.S., and I had a job lined up before graduation. During COVID, I was laid off, but two months later I landed the most incredible job I had ever had as a clinician in private practice, which laid the groundwork for the career I have today.
I’ve also tried to be strategic in my career decisions. I chose colleges that wouldn’t leave me with overwhelming debt and pursued paths that felt meaningful while still allowing me to support myself. I’ve also had the privilege of being married to someone who could support me during my Master’s program and while I was building my private practice. That support made a significant difference.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Holistic Bump. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am a clinician in private practice and hold an LCSW, with certifications in perinatal mental health and EMDR. The primary focus of my work is supporting women who are trying to conceive, who are pregnant, or who are in the postpartum phase. I am trauma-informed and use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), IFS (Internal Family Systems), and Prolonged Exposure Therapy with clients experiencing PTSD or complex PTSD. I also work as a couples therapist and use the Gottman Method in my work with couples.
What sets me apart is the extensive training I’ve completed to expand the tools I bring into the therapy room. I am continually pursuing additional certifications and advanced trainings in my field. I’m especially confident in my couples work and genuinely enjoy working with high-conflict couples. Clients often share that they appreciate my confidence, clarity, and the intentional, professional, and personal way I show up in our work together.
I’m also proud of the work I’ve built beyond one-on-one sessions. I run an infant feeding and maternal wellness support group and am launching guided journals for new mothers. I’ve delivered speaking engagements on birth trauma and continue to network and grow within my professional community.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory was traveling with my family by car from Paris, France to Casablanca, Morocco. There were so many core memories built and I was able to really bond with my brother.
Pricing:
- 225 for individual sessions
- 250 for couple’s counseling sessions
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theholisticbump.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholisticbump
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/The-Holistic-Bump-61566411388279/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tova-mccall-lcsw-pmh-c-3a169995/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticBump
