Resources for Anxiety, OCD & Christian Counseling

Recommended Reading

  • Book cover for "10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People" by David Yeager, featuring a minimalist green sprout design.

    10 to 25 by David Yeager

    David Yeager teaches you why young people won’t listen to you, but he also teaches you how to motivate them. This book is essential reading for anyone who works with this age group and wants to see them flourish.

  • "The Connected Life" book cover by Todd W. Hall, featuring abstract leaf patterns in orange, teal, and charcoal on a beige background with a decorative border.

    The Connected Life by Todd Hall

    Todd Hall explains how what we are really struggling with is implicit and emotional (rooted in our individual stories) rather than explicit and rational (rooted in what we think). He then offers an evidence-based roadmap for how to heal that is concrete and clear.

  • Book cover of 'Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts' by Sally M. Winston and Martin N. Seif, featuring cloud illustrations and a subtitle about a CBT-based guide.

    Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts by Sally Winston and Martin Seif

    “It’s not what you think!” If you’re having thoughts that make you feel crazy or scared of what you are capable of, then they are likely just unwanted intrusive thoughts. Trying to make yourself feel better is not the solution. This book could change your life.

  • Book cover of 'Needing to Know for Sure' by Martin N. Seif and Sally M. Winston, featuring a turquoise background with white and red text.

    Needing to Know for Sure by Sally Winston and Martin Seif

    Do you or someone you love constantly seek reassurance that you aren’t a bad person, that you won’t get sick, that someone isn’t going to get hurt, etc.? This book can help you get out of that loop and start getting your life back.

  • Book cover of "Overcoming Anticipatory Anxiety" by Sally M. Winston and Martin N. Seif, featuring a thought bubble illustration on a yellow background.

    Overcoming Anticipatory Anxiety by Sally Winston and Martin Seif

    The third book in a series that explains how to overcome Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). I can’t recommend enough.

  • Book cover for 'Unwanted' by Jay Stringer, featuring abstract watercolor artwork with a foreword by Dr. Mark Laaser.

    Unwanted by Jay Stringer

    A hopeful book about understanding and moving forward with sexual brokenness as part of your story.

  • "The Second Mountain" book cover by David Brooks, featuring a mountainous landscape and praise from the Washington Post.

    The Second Mountain by David Brooks

    Helpful perspective and advice for those who feel stuck in the middle years of their life.

  • Cover of 'Digital Minimalism' by Cal Newport featuring yellow concentric circles and text about focusing in a noisy world.

    Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport

    One of the most motivating books I’ve ever read. Cut back on digital distraction and start getting your life back.

  • Book cover of 'Let Your Life Speak' by Parker J. Palmer

    Let Your Life Speak by Parker Palmer

    Parker Palmer helps people, like me, who have struggled to figure out what they want to be when they grow up.

  • Cover of the book 'Sacred Fire' by Ronald Rolheiser, featuring a sunset with a lighthouse reflecting in calm waters and a quote praising the book.

    Sacred Fire by Ronald Rolheiser

    “As we age we need to forgive—forgive those who hurt us, forgive ourselves for our own mistakes, forgive life for having been unfair, and then forgive God for seemingly not having protected us—all of this so that we do not die bitter and angry, which is perhaps the greatest religious imperative of all.”

  • Counterfeit Gods by Timothy Keller

    “Each deep idol—power, approval, comfort, or control—generates a different set of fears and a different set of hopes.”

  • The Life We're Looking for by Andy Crouch

    “The defining mental activity of our time is scrolling. Our capacities of attention, memory, and concentration are diminishing; to compensate, we toggle back and forth between infinite feeds of news, posts, images, episodes—taking shallow hits of trivia, humor, and outrage to make up for the depths of learning, joy, and genuine lament that now feel beyond our reach.”

Podcasts

Agreements

Part 1 The agreements we make affect how we see ourselves and God – but we're mostly unaware of them. In the first of this two-part series, John and Allen shed light on how agreements take hold and alter our interpretation of reality.

Agreements - Part 1

Part 2 In the series conclusion, John and Allen reveal how to break current agreements and close the door on future agreements before they gain ground.

Agreements - Part 2

5 Ways Your Family of Origin is Undermining Your Leadership

Part 1 If you’ve ever found yourself stuck in patterns you can’t explain or hitting a wall in your leadership that won’t budge—there’s a reason. In this episode of the Emotionally Healthy Leader Podcast, I explore one of the most overlooked but powerful forces shaping your life and leadership: your family of origin.

5 Ways - Part 1

Part 2 What if your family of origin is still running your leadership — and you don’t even know it? In Part 2 of this vital conversation, Pete Scazzero continues unpacking how the emotional and relational patterns we inherited growing up deeply shape how we lead today — often more than we realize. If you missed Part 1, go back and listen first.

5 Ways - Part 2

Tim Keller’s Stress Management Seminar

This is an 8-part series by pastor Tim Keller that has significantly shaped my approach to Christian counseling for those experiencing stress that isn’t necessarily related to an anxiety disorder or OCD.

  1. Part 1

  2. Part 2

  3. Part 3

  4. Part 4

  5. Part 5

  6. Part 6

  7. Part 7

  8. Part 8

Trying to Fight Anxiety Only Makes it Worse

Dr. Sally Winston is the primary voice I listen to when it comes to treating anxiety and OCD.

Fighting Anxiety

Professional headshot of Tyler Slay

I understand,
and I’m here to Help

Specialized Therapy Services in Madison, Mississippi

Tyler Slay, LPC, is a therapist in Madison, Mississippi, providing counseling for adults, teens, and children. He works with a wide range of mental health concerns, including stress, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, and anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

I am at my best when I’m working with clients who are looking for help with:

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Anxiety

  • Stress

  • Trauma

  • Spiritual growth via Christian counseling

  • Navigating relationships, breakups, and singleness

If you identify with any of these, I would be honored to hear your story and help you come up with a plan to feel less burdened, more hopeful, and more like yourself.

I have been where you are, searching for a therapist and feeling uncertain if they will actually be helpful or not. I want you to feel good about making the anxiety-inducing decision to reach out for help.

I have been married for 10 years and have children of my own. We are members of Bellwether Church in Jackson, MS. That being said, religion does not have to be part of the counseling process if you don't want it to be. I'll meet you where you are. Feel free to reach out with questions via my form below. I look forward to hearing from you.

I offer therapy here at my office in Madison, MS at 212 Key Drive (Located at The Center for Hope and Healing at Broadmoor) and throughout the state of Mississippi online via a secure telehealth platform.

Have more questions about me, my approach, or counseling costs? Click here to read more.

Not Sure Where to Start? Download My Free Guide on Understanding Anxiety and OCD.

Break the Cycle: A Simple Guide to Reducing Anxiety This Week

I may also send you occasional emails with helpful information. But don’t worry, I won’t fill up your inbox. You can unsubscribe anytime.