New to Grow
I’m Tyler Dawnee Young, LCSW, with over a decade of experience in mental health and healthcare settings. I work with high-achieving adults who are thoughtful, self-aware, and often overwhelmed beneath the surface. My approach is relational, insight-driven, and collaborative, focused on helping clients feel understood, make sense of long-standing patterns, and create meaningful, lasting change. I believe therapy works best when the relationship feels right and when clients are willing to engage actively in the process—not just in session, but in their everyday lives as well.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The first session is a chance for us to get oriented and see if we’re a good fit. We’ll talk about what’s bringing you in, what you’ve already tried, and what you’re hoping therapy can help with. I’ll ask thoughtful questions to better understand your history, patterns, and current stressors, and we’ll begin identifying what feels most important to focus on. You don’t need to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say—my role is to help guide the conversation and create a space where you can slow down and feel understood. By the end of the session, you can expect more clarity, a sense of direction, and a better understanding of how we might work together moving forward.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
One of my greatest strengths is helping clients make sense of what they’re experiencing. Many people leave sessions saying things like, “I didn’t think of it that way,” or “That makes a lot of sense.” I’m skilled at noticing patterns, naming what tends to be avoided, and asking questions that bring clarity and relief. My approach is thoughtful, curious, and collaborative. I work best with motivated clients who want more than a space to vent and are open to reflection, insight, and real change. Therapy with me is active and intentional, focused on understanding patterns and applying insight both in and outside of session. I often work with burnt-out, high-achievers, people pleasers, and individuals with neurodivergent patterns who are navigating life or identity transitions. I bring a steady, measured approach to the work—I don’t over-pathologize, rush trauma work, or rely on forced positivity. I believe therapy is most effective when the relationship feels like a good fit and when clients are ready to engage in the process.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work best with motivated adults who are ready to engage in therapy as an active, collaborative process. Many of my clients are high-functioning, thoughtful, and self-aware, yet feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves despite “doing everything right.” They’re not looking to vent indefinitely or be told what to do—they want to understand their patterns, make sense of their inner world, and create meaningful change. My ideal clients are curious, open to reflection, and willing to try approaches that may feel different from traditional talk therapy. They value depth, insight, and practical application, and are ready to show up honestly—even when it’s uncomfortable. This work is well-suited for people who want therapy to be intentional, growth-oriented, and rooted in real change rather than temporary relief.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
My work is rooted in a person-centered (Rogerian) approach, meaning I prioritize creating a space where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and understood. I believe meaningful change happens when you don’t feel judged, rushed, or “fixed,” but instead supported in making sense of your experiences at your own pace. From that foundation, I integrate more structured and evidence-based tools when helpful—but the relationship always comes first. I see therapy as a collaborative process where we slow things down, get curious about patterns, and work toward change in a way that feels honest, sustainable, and aligned with who you are.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT as a practical, collaborative tool—not a one-size-fits-all approach. Together, we look at how thoughts, behaviors, and patterns developed for a reason, even if they’re no longer serving you. Rather than “positive thinking,” my focus is on understanding what’s actually happening beneath the surface and making intentional, realistic shifts that fit your life. CBT in my practice is flexible, trauma-informed, and used to help you build insight, reduce overwhelm, and regain a sense of agency—without minimizing your experience or pushing quick fixes.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people stop getting stuck in an ongoing battle with their thoughts and emotions. Instead of trying to get rid of discomfort or “fix” yourself, ACT focuses on learning how to relate to your inner experience in a healthier way while still moving toward what matters to you. In practice, this means building awareness, flexibility, and self-compassion, so your thoughts and feelings have less control over your choices. ACT supports meaningful change without requiring you to feel perfect, calm, or certain first.
EMDR
I use EMDR as a structured, evidence-based approach to help people process distressing or traumatic experiences that continue to impact their thoughts, emotions, or sense of safety. EMDR isn’t about reliving the past—it’s about helping the nervous system fully process experiences that never had the chance to settle. I only use EMDR when it’s clinically appropriate and after careful preparation, ensuring you have the stability, coping skills, and support needed for the work. When used thoughtfully, EMDR can reduce emotional intensity and help experiences feel more integrated rather than overwhelming.