Tyler Freed
QMHP-CM.A. (CMHC) Candidate
I view therapy as an opportunity to create meaningful change through reflection—challenging, reshaping, or strengthening the core beliefs and values that guide our lives.
Throughout life, the way we see ourselves and the world evolves through our experiences. These experiences can bring light and joy, or darkness and uncertainty. During periods of reflection, we can gain insight into the thoughts, behaviors, and feelings that have supported our well-being—and those that have not. I believe therapy provides a space to engage in that process openly and without judgment.
My experience in the mental health field began during undergrad, working overnight at a youth residential program where I developed an understanding of how early childhood trauma impacts emotional and behavioral regulation. My own life experiences taught me how choices made during periods of anger, sadness, or stress can create additional challenges that reinforce those initial feelings. Through a reflective and supportive journey, I found meaning in the unique aspects of myself and my life that I can appreciate or accept for what they are. Because of this, I value treating each interaction as unique and believe all encounters have a purpose. I also value curiosity as a way to support open, unbiased, and meaningful interactions. Staying true to these values allows me to remain present and create space for clients to feel seen and heard.
My hobbies and interests are wide in variety but uniquely similar in that the majority of them can bedone both alone, and with others, which I have found to be an important balance in self-care. Ienjoy riding motorcycles and dirtbikes, playing golf, skateboarding, snowboarding, learning thebass guitar, occasional PC gaming, and spending time outdoors in any other way I can (includingjumping out of airplanes!). I also like to spend time with those who I care for and care for me, andmaintaining connections that are meaningful for me.
My counseling practice is grounded in an eclectic approach that combines evidence-based practices to create a person-centered experience responsive to each client’s stage of change. When thoughts or feelings become unmanageable, I integrate DBT principles and mindfulness exercises to build tools for coping with and accepting difficult circumstances or life transitions. Through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, I help clients acknowledge suffering without minimizing it while finding purpose and moving toward the people and things they value. I also draw from Choice Theory and Reality Therapy to gently explore how our perceptions can reinforce dissatisfaction and help clients identify what is—and is not—within their control to find greater peace.
Professional Background
I spent nearly six years in a youth psychiatric residential setting, progressing through roles from trainer and supervisor to program manager and assistant director. I later worked as a therapist in intensive stabilization, providing individual and family therapy, case management, level-of-care assessments, and crisis intervention. These experiences strengthened my skills in problem-solving, therapeutic de-escalation, safety planning, and meeting clients where they are.
I am now here at Insight Northwest Recovery, facilitating group therapy sessions focused on themes such as building healthy relationships and finding identity, supporting community members with co-occurring needs as they develop coping skills and peer support.
Education Credentials
M.A. in Criminology — Tiffin University, 2023
B.S. in Crime, Law, & Society — University of Oregon
Minor in Legal Studies
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling — Bushnell University, in progress / nearing completion