Meet TJ Rumler | Licensed Clinical Social Worker

We had the good fortune of connecting with TJ Rumler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi TJ, how do you think about risk?
We often misunderstand risk-taking. It’s not just a brave act; it’s a calculated leap with the potential for immense reward. But the ability to take risks isn’t equally distributed. It’s a gift nurtured by privilege and a sense of psychological safety.

Imagine two children. Sarah, encouraged by her parents, builds tall towers with blocks. When they fall, her parents help her rebuild, celebrating the attempt and the learning process. Sarah internalizes a message: “The world is a safe place to experiment.” This fosters a willingness to take risks, a key ingredient for growth and success.

On the other hand, consider Michael. His attempts at creative play are met with frustration and punishment. When he stumbles, there’s no helping hand, just criticism…or maybe nothing at all. Michael grows up with a different message: “The world is a risky place, mistakes are punished.” This fear can paralyze him, hindering his ability to take chances and explore opportunities.

My own journey reflects the power of psychological safety. My mother, though resource-limited, always prioritized my needs and dreams. She tirelessly worked to ensure a secure environment where I could explore my interests. This unwavering support instilled a sense of safety and confidence. It allowed me to take risks, knowing I wouldn’t be left to flounder if I stumbled.

It would also be remiss of me to ignore the role of privilege in my story. Being born a straight, white man in a society structured for my success undeniably played a part. The world often felt like a place where risks were met with more understanding and fewer consequences. This reduced perception of risk further bolstered my willingness to take chances.

Recognizing this privilege doesn’t diminish the effort I put in. However, it highlights the uneven playing field when it comes to risk-taking.

At 29, I took a significant risk. I left a lucrative sales job to pursue a degree in Human Services. The financial sacrifice was considerable – my first social work role paid a quarter of what I was used to. Yet, the sense of purpose and fulfillment I found was invaluable. Today, with a Master’s in Social Work and my own business, I’m living proof that risks can pay off.

The key takeaway? Risk-taking is a powerful tool, but it’s most effective when used with awareness and calculation. I acknowledge the privilege that allowed me to take such a leap, and I strive to use my success to create a more equitable landscape where everyone feels empowered to take risks and pursue their passions.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart in my work is the unique combination of my lived experience and professional training. I understand the complexities of trauma and privilege firsthand, having navigated both sides of that coin. This personal journey fuels my passion for healing and empowers me to connect with clients on a deeper level.

My path to becoming a social worker wasn’t linear. I’ve worn many hats – working with the homeless, supporting youth in psychiatric settings, serving veterans at the VA, tackling HIV/AIDS services, advocating for students in schools, guiding truant youth, specializing in trauma, empowering Hispanic youth leaders, and practicing psychotherapy. This diverse experience tapestry allows me to offer a comprehensive approach, drawing on various domains to best serve my clients.

Transitioning between such diverse fields wasn’t always easy. There were constant learning curves, new skills to master, and unfamiliar systems to navigate. However, each challenge fueled my determination. I actively sought mentors, devoured professional resources, and leaned on supportive colleagues. Most importantly, I embraced the opportunity to learn from each experience, becoming a more well-rounded practitioner.

My journey has taught me invaluable lessons. The most important? Trauma can be overcome, and privilege can be a powerful tool for positive change. I want the world to know that healing is possible for everyone, regardless of background. My story is a testament to the transformative power of support, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Forget the tourist traps, bestie! enough coffee to fuel a rocket ship (which, by the way, would be amazing on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, but safety first!).

Food:

We’ll kick things off with a Southern lunch at Mike & Jeff’s. Their veggies would be enough for a veggie lover like me. But my friend HAS to try the pulled pork BBQ – the best in Greenville.
Soby’s is next, not because it’s my personal top pick, but because it’s a must for any visitor. It’s a taste of the South with a modern twist, like a fancy shrimp and grits party in your mouth.
We can’t forget the incredible Hispanic food scene! We’re hitting up Mixtipec, a hidden gem with the most authentic tacos around.

Caffeinated Adventures:

Greenville’s coffee scene is legendary, and we’re diving headfirst. We’ll start at Village Grind, a beautiful space bursting with plants, perfect for catching up and having great conversation. Next, Unlocked Coffee, owned by my good friends, offers a true industrial vibe with some seriously creative brews. And we’re also hitting M. Judson, one of my favorite places in Greenville, period. We can get a final coffee and let them shop for local gifts to take home.

Exploring the City:

We’ll hop on bikes and cruise the Swamp Rabbit Trail., riding to Travelers Rest where we’ll stop at Tandem, my personal breakfast (or brunch!) haven. Their famous crepes and the best waffles you’ve ever tasted are calling your name. We’re visiting the Upcountry History Museum to delve into Greenville’s rich past. If it’s nice weather we’re 100% going to the Main Street Saturday Market. and a Greenville Drive game. As we walk, I’m sure I’ll point out where the Greenville News building once stood, and get super nostalgic as I describe how sad I was when it came down. “It was one of the first places I can remember wanting to work as a kid,” I’ll say – and then we’ll move along.

And because I can’t resist, we’re taking a stroll through West Greenville, my neighborhood. It’s like a living museum, except the stories come from me, not a website. Get ready for a history lesson with a side of local charm, because that’s how we roll. We’ll see the changes happening and discuss how to preserve the neighborhood’s heart and soul.

Nightlife and Events:

Depending on the week, we’ll catch a free event on Main Street. Fingers crossed for Salsa at Sunset, where the energy amazing, and my friend could see one of Greenville’s most diverse events.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! This Shoutout would be incomplete without acknowledging the incredible woman who made it all possible – my mom.

For those who know me, you’ve likely heard about her unwavering support throughout my life. Many of my friends have received her support as well. As I mentioned, she prioritized my needs and dreams, even when it meant sacrificing her own. This fostered a sense of security that allowed me to take risks and chase my passions.

But her influence goes beyond the practical. Her unwavering belief in me, her infectious enthusiasm, and her strength in the face of challenges – these are the qualities I draw on every day.

Mom, this Shoutout is for you. Thank you for everything.

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