- Anxiety management
- Stress reduction
- CBT and DBT
About Lydia
Lydia Toay is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Missouri with five years of experience. She works with adults on problems such as anxiety, stress, motivation, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), career and academic strain, relationships, trauma, and grief.
Her style centers on client-centered therapy, which means sessions follow the person's concerns and pace. Lydia also draws from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and solution-focused ideas. She mixes approaches to match what a person needs in the moment.
In a typical session she helps people identify patterns that get in the way of daily life. That can include negative self-talk, perfectionism, trouble concentrating, sleep problems, or repeated relationship conflicts. She uses practical tools and short exercises people can try between sessions.
Lydia often works with people navigating life transitions and the pressures common in early adulthood. Topics she commonly addresses include starting a first job, career stress, relationship uncertainty, self-esteem, and coping with change.
She also supports people dealing with addiction concerns, family-of-origin issues, grief, and anger. Sessions include direct skill teaching, guided reflection, and collaborative goal-setting to make progress on specific problems.
To begin, a short intake helps clarify goals and which methods to try. Lydia frames therapy as a collaborative process and adjusts techniques as needs evolve.
How therapy methods translate to online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying personal values and taking steps that match those values, even when difficult feelings are present. It can help with motivation, life transitions, and feeling stuck. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical tools to change unhelpful patterns. CBT is useful for anxiety, low mood, sleep problems, and negative self-talk. Mindfulness-based techniques train attention and present-moment awareness to reduce rumination and stress and to support emotional regulation.Choosing an approach is usually collaborative. Lydia will discuss goals and try methods that fit the person's needs and preferences. If a technique does not feel useful, she adjusts the plan so the work stays focused and relevant.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, save commute time, and allow shorter check-ins when days are full. They also allow use of screen-shared worksheets, guided breathing exercises, and structured skill practice during the session. Practical considerations such as quieter surroundings, camera use, or shorter sessions can be arranged to suit a person's daily routine and goals.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
5+ years
Listed in
Michigan, Missouri
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of issues does she help with?
She works with adults on anxiety, stress, relationship problems, ADHD, grief, addiction concerns, career strain, low self-esteem, and many related issues.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her approach is primarily client-centered, using CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and ACT techniques as needed to teach skills and try practical strategies.
How much experience does she have?
She has five years of clinical experience working with adults from varied backgrounds on common life and mental health concerns.
Where is she licensed to practice?
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Missouri and holds licensure in that state.
Can I work with her if English is not my first language?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are payments handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.