Tony Byrd

Hello, I’m Tony Byrd. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist with more than 27 years of experience. I am passionate about providing the best services possible as I walk through the recovery journey with each Client that I serve. My approach to providing the best treatment possible is to use a multifaceted system that includes providing as much time as possible to address all issues in a timely manner with empathy and unconditional positive regard as well as the use of a range of therapeutic techniques that allow for the Clients to traverse the journey as safely and effectively as possible.

My approach

My approach to therapy involves a variety of models/techniques that include but are not limited to Cognitive Behavioral, Psychoanalytic/dynamic, Dialectical Behavioral, Existential, Reality, and Recreational Therapies. This approach allows for a shared understanding of goals and objectives while providing the Client(s) insight and education needed to complete their journey in a timely and effective manner.

My focus

With my years of experience, I have worked with many different populations as well as many different challenges across different cultures and social settings. The challenges Clients face may include depression, anxiety, trauma, gender and even eating disorders. I strive to provide services for adults and adolescents as they work to establish the best possible life for themselves.

My communication style

My communication style varies per Client and the Client’s situation(s) for each session. I encourage my clients to communicate their needs for each individual contact as I provide a therapeutic relationship without judgment based on the Client’s needs. I believe there is a time to listen to what the Client is saying as well as there is a time to educate and guide the Client on the therapeutic journey.

My journey to mental healthcare

My journey includes an ongoing decision-making process that has evolved from years of experience leading me to the point where I am today. I seem to have a natural gift for hearing as well as listening to others. I have a calm and empathetic approach to life and a strong recreational view of life that presses me to encourage others to enjoy the life they have been given. My experiences have involved many different settings including inpatient, outpatient, and corrections facilities with a diverse population that includes child, adult, and geriatric patients with issues such as trauma, LGTBQ/gender, forensic, depression, anxiety, and couple/relationship-related issues as well as others. I have a license and certification with a master's level education which has allowed me to practice in individual and group settings. I truly enjoy providing treatment to those in need with a goal to get Clients out of treatment not to keep them in treatment.

My goals for you

My approach to goal setting with Clients is based on an individualized basis. I encourage clients to approach their goals with an open mind and challenge themselves to recognize and understand the issues they consider a disruption to their daily functioning. The Client-Therapist relationship is an important piece of the journey and should be established early on in treatment. I also utilize a significant amount of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to establish baselines as well as to measure progress.

My first session with you

During our first session, we will allow for introductions to include areas of interest such as backgrounds, education, experiences, problems, perceived goals, and objectives as well as any expectations so that we may build an initial therapeutic connection. There will be opportunities for questions and a chance for you to express any feelings and/or thoughts which will allow you to determine what will work best for you in your journey.