Hi, I’m Tyler Slay, a therapist specializing in the treatment of anxiety and OCD. I provide therapy for teens and adults. I grew up in the Brandon and Flowood areas of Mississippi. From the very first day of graduate school, I knew anxiety would be my focus because, like you, I was struggling to find a mental health provider in the Jackson area who I felt certain could help me. I’ve always been drawn to helping people who feel stuck in their minds — people who are smart, capable, and successful but can’t seem to enjoy life the way they want to because of anxiety.

My clients often tell me they know their fears don’t make sense, but that doesn’t stop the spirals of worry, overthinking, or compulsive behaviors. I understand how anxiety and OCD work — but more importantly, I care about what they take from you: your peace of mind, your ability to be present, enjoy your free time, and connect fully in your relationships. My goal is to help you get that back.

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for general counseling, especially when working with teens and young adults. The core idea of CBT is that our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are closely linked. Improvements in mood and functioning rely on these two-way connections: by shifting our thoughts or behaviors, we can influence how we feel. In CBT, individuals learn to recognize and assess their automatic thoughts and underlying beliefs.

For those struggling with OCD, I utilize Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is the gold standard for treating OCD and anxiety disorders. I’ve been trained by Dr. Michael J. Greenberg, a leading voice in understanding how OCD connects to a person’s history and how to stop compulsive rumination, especially for those dealing with Pure O or intrusive thought-based OCD. My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices but delivered with compassion and flexibility. I incorporate attachment-informed perspectives and tools like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for those who will benefit from addressing trauma that is fueling their anxiety.

While OCD is one of my specialties, I work with people struggling with all forms of anxiety — whether it's panic, religious anxiety (scrupulosity), social anxiety, health anxiety, perfectionism, or generalized worry. I know that anxiety shows up in different ways for different people, and therapy should reflect that.

My style is gentle, collaborative, and comprehensive. We won’t just talk about symptoms; we’ll talk about you — your story, your life, your experiences, and your values. We’ll work at a pace that feels right for you, always keeping your goals front and center. You don’t have to push yourself to change overnight, and you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Because I grew up in Central Mississippi, I’m also well-connected to other providers and resources in the area. If you need additional support, I can help you build a team that’s right for you. I’ve done that for other clients. Once you become my client, I’m dedicated to helping you get past your anxiety and back to your life.

If you're ready to stop just getting by and start enjoying life again, I'm here to help.