Ms. Riyon Dawn Hutton LMHC, TLHT Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Two of the biggest barriers to mental health care are how people think about therapy and how they can access it. Many of my peers share similar concerns. There's often shame or fear of judgment, especially in cultures or communities where mental illness is misunderstood or not openly discussed. People worry about being labeled "crazy" or feel they need to apologize for seeking help. There's also the fear of doing therapy "wrong," or not knowing what to expect. There isn't a right or a wrong way to do therapy, unless it's retail therapy! There is also fear of how uncomfortable you might feel remembering things about the past. Maybe you've been told to run away from your anxiety and then it snowballs into panic attacks. Maybe you don't want to have to talk about your experiences but wonder how you'll start to feel better. Using an approach like EMDR can help you reduce your fear and if you don't have the words to share what happened, that's okay. As long as you can think about it, follow the steps, and be able to stay grounded then you can find relief One of the biggest barriers to finding the help you need is using health insurance. Another barrier is that online therapy might not be the right fit for you and your needs. Sometimes it's hard to find a "good match" or there might be long wait times. I will work with you to help you find the approach that works best for you. Most people start to feel significantly better within ten to twenty sessions. You don't need to be in therapy for years.

One thing I wish people knew is that it's okay to try out different people and different styles. If you're hesitant about therapy, know this: it’s okay if things don’t change overnight. Many people feel like they've tried everything and nothing works, or worry about committing. But therapy isn’t about having all the answers right away. What I wish people knew about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is that it’s not just for big, traumatic events. It can help with a wide range of things like past hurts to everyday stress. EMDR isn’t about talking endlessly about your pain or rehashing every detail. Instead, it helps your brain process stuck memories in manageable way, so that they lose their emotional pain. Many people feel relief after just a few sessions, even if they don’t have all the words for their experiences. It’s a powerful tool that can help you heal and move forward without getting overwhelmed by the pass.

I want you to feel successful and confident in the choices you make for your mental health. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can be incredibly helpful for those dealing with anger attacks, panic, or emotional overwhelm, especially if you're unsure whether you have ADHD. Many people struggle with focus, emotional outbursts, or anxiety and wonder if ADHD might be the cause. EMDR helps by allowing your brain to process past experiences that are fueling these reactions. As you work through these memories, they lose their emotional charge, leading to fewer angry outbursts and less panic. Over time, you’ll feel more in control of your emotions and stop taking your frustrations out on yourself or your family. And when someone says, “You’re just like your [family member],” I want that to be a compliment, not an insult—because you’ll be confident in the person you’re becoming.

• Washington, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LH60868326
• Florida, TLHT Licensed Mental Health Counselor, #4201

I began my career as a teacher, spending over 10 years in education as both a high school classroom teacher and substitute. After losing a family member and friend, I decided I wanted to move into a different path. Over time, my focus shifted toward working with at-risk youth, and I eventually earned my master's degree. I love to learn and I have more college than you could possibly need for my degree. This drive for knowledge became even more personal when I was diagnosed with ADHD this year after years of asking about it. For so long, I was told my struggles were related to anxiety, and it’s frustrating to reflect on how different things might have been if I’d understood that my "randomness" was actually my brain’s way of focusing on things that weren’t necessary. Now, I work with both adults and youth who face similar challenges. I specialize in helping adults and youth create routines to simplify their lives, while also guiding them through the process of "unpacking" their past using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.