Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Tonia Herrero

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Tonia Herrero. Check out our conversation below.

Hi Tonia, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
This past summer, my husband built me a fully finished art studio in our backyard. My goal for a long time has been to get back in touch with my identity as an artist and maintain a regular art practice, completely separate from my work as an art therapist and art therapy group practice owner. Lately I have been spending more time in my art studio; painting, drawing, and even doing yoga. As soon as I enter the room, I feel a sense of calm. It has been my safe space, my refuge and it brings me a lot of joy.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Tonia Herrero, MPS, ATR-BC, LCAT, ATCS (she/her). I am a licensed and board-certified art therapist, certified art therapy supervisor and the owner of East Bay Art Therapy (EBAT). EBAT is a creative arts therapy group practice in the SF Bay Area, CA where we provide individual, group, family and couples art therapy to ages 4 and up including adults. We have a diverse team of 14 creative arts therapists and there are two main aspects of our work. We have two private practice offices in Oakland and San Jose, CA (and we offer virtual sessions as well) and then we contract with hospitals, schools, corporations, non-profits, and government agencies to provide creative arts therapy services off site in the community. Our private practice is currently all art therapists and for our off-site services include other types of creative arts therapy such as music therapy and drama therapy. We are also vendors of Regional Center to serve individuals with developmental disabilities. EBAT is unique because we are a team of all creative arts therapists that all value decolonial, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive practices. As the owner of the company, I spend most of my time managing my team and the contracts, and my direct service includes a small caseload of clients and I provide arts-based trainings, professional development and workplace wellness workshops to staff of various agencies and companies.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Recently I reached a point where I realized I needed to stop apologizing for myself. I am outgoing, expressive, eccentric, and transparent and I can take up a lot of space. I have been complimented for seemingly being unapologetically me and not giving a sh*t about what other people think about me. The truth is, I have always cared tremendously what others think and although I am outspoken and honest, I often apologize for myself after the fact, and then silently ruminate with worry and regret about how I came across to others. This duality has caused suffering for me and I am ready to let it go. Obviously this is not so simple as saying goodbye to this unwanted behavior, but I have been trying to pause more to catch myself before I apologize, practicing mindfulness when the anxiety creeps in and I have two amazing therapists that are on this journey with me. (Therapists gotta have a therapist themself!)

When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
My younger years were not always easy, especially as an adolescent. The one thing that I always had by my side was my art. I have memories as a teen, struggling with mental health issues and family and relationship issues and the only thing that I felt I had that would never leave me was art making. I would stay up late into the night painting in my room and expressing all the pain I felt. Art was the one part of my life at that time where I felt free. When I think back to this time, I think how great it would have been had I had an art therapist or teen art therapy group! This is one of the things that motivates and inspires me, especially as an art therapist that specializes in adolescents.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Absolutely. One thing all my friends say about me is that I couldn’t lie to save my life and that my greatest strength is my honesty. Even if I wanted to put on a different facade or persona in public, it would definitely be a struggle for me. This character trait of mine and how people respond to it, weeds out people who don’t align with my value of authenticity.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing? 
I often refer to my as a workaholic. My work is my life and my passion. With that said, I am constantly striving for better work/life balance. I know that I will regret not taking off more time from work and especially not spending more time traveling. This aspect of my life is definitely a work in progress that I hope I can transform in the coming years.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Christina Hernandez, Menhal Sheikh, National Student Leadership Conference Staff and Tonia Herrero

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