Dr. Zyer Beaty, a therapist, counselor educator, and wellness advocate, founded Dr. Z Therapy and Coaching, a haven for holistic well-being and psychoeducation. Leveraging her roles as a current professor and former school counselor, Zyer blends innovative methods with insights from global education and mental health research. Specializing in assisting various demographics, she addresses issues like ADHD, depression, and life transitions. Her mission centers on guiding individuals towards authentic, unapologetic living. Dr. Zyer fosters an inclusive environment where everyone can uncover value and purpose in their journey, advocating holistic care and personal empowerment.
Zyer Beaty, Dr. Z Therapy and Coaching
Introduce yourself! Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
My name is Zyer Beaty, and I am a therapist, life coach, and professor. My diverse life experiences have profoundly shaped my work in mental health and education. Growing up abroad, I spent much of my childhood in Yokosuka, Japan, before moving to Atlanta, Georgia. This global upbringing has gifted me with a unique perspective on the human experience, deeply influencing my approach to therapy and coaching.
I pursued my academic journey at Spelman College, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. My passion for counseling led me to the University of Georgia, where I completed both my Master's and Doctorate in Counselor Education. These academic achievements, coupled with my international upbringing, have taught me the importance of embracing and understanding the intersecting identities that define who we are—a principle that lies at the heart of my private practice.
Outside of my professional life, I am an avid enthusiast of life's many adventures. I cherish time spent with friends, traveling, and engaging in water activities. Whether it's working out, hiking, exploring the outdoors, skating, or simply taking in the world's beauty, I believe in living life to the fullest and never taking a moment for granted.
As a researcher, my work delves into the first-year experiences of Black women, the impact of international travel on education and post-secondary studies, and mental health within the Black community, among other topics. Each study is a testament to my commitment to understanding and improving the lives of those around me.
In essence, my life's work is dedicated to helping others navigate their unique journeys, embrace their multifaceted identities, and thrive in every aspect of their lives. I believe that to truly live is to explore, understand, and appreciate the rich tapestry of human experience.
What inspired you to start Dr. Z Therapy and Coaching, and what is your primary mission for the business?
Dr. Z Therapy and Coaching was born out of a transformative experience during my time in South Africa at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG). In my third year at Spelman College, I embarked on a six-month volunteer program at OWLAG, where I spent extensive time with the girls and collaborated closely with the faculty. The profound lessons I learned during that period have left a mark on both my personal and professional life.
Listening to the powerful stories of the girls at OWLAG and being in a position to support them was an honor that deeply resonated with me. Although I was always passionate about psychology as a major at Spelman, I had not yet decided which path to pursue within the field. My experience at OWLAG cemented my commitment to mental health education and set me on my current trajectory.
I began my journey in mental health as a school counselor, drawing inspiration from my time at OWLAG. This role fueled my desire to expand my impact to a broader range of communities and age groups, each facing diverse mental health challenges. I worked part-time in various mental health settings, diligently earning the hours required for licensure. Upon becoming fully licensed, I founded Dr. Z Therapy and Coaching, a vision that continues to grow and evolve.
At Dr. Z Therapy and Coaching, our mission is to empower individuals to live their best lives by embracing their intersecting identities and navigating life's challenges with resilience and authenticity. We are dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive space where clients can explore their unique paths, cultivate personal growth, and achieve fulfillment. Through compassionate therapy and personalized coaching, we strive to inspire our clients to overcome obstacles, celebrate their true selves, and create a life that is rich, meaningful, and aligned with their deepest values.
I am thrilled to contribute to the pressing need for skilled clinicians in today's society. Dr. Z Therapy and Coaching is not just a practice; it is a beacon of hope and empowerment for those seeking to navigate the complexities of life with confidence and clarity.
Can you describe your approach to therapy and coaching, and how it integrates holistic care for your clients?
At Dr. Z Therapy and Coaching, my approach to therapy is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), both of which play a pivotal role in addressing the patterns and goals of each client.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a widely recognized method that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It helps clients understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and actions, empowering them to develop healthier ways of thinking and coping with challenges.
Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), on the other hand, emphasizes finding practical solutions to current problems and it encourages clients to envision their desired future and identify the steps needed to achieve their goals, fostering a sense of empowerment and progress.
In my practice, I place a strong emphasis on intersectionality and self-confidence. Intersectionality acknowledges the complex, overlapping social identities and experiences that shape an individual’s life. By understanding and embracing these intersecting identities, clients can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their unique challenges.
Self-confidence is another cornerstone of my therapeutic approach. I believe that building self-confidence is essential for clients to navigate life’s challenges and achieve personal growth.
Often, people tend to compartmentalize their mental health, considering it separate from other aspects of their lives. Mental health is frequently the first area to be neglected when things get tough. We visit doctors for physical needs, yet we often overlook the need to seek mental health professionals, despite the mind being the center of every aspect of our well-being.
I always remind my clients that you cannot separate the physical, mental, and emotional; they are all interconnected. Recognizing this holistic connection is crucial for achieving self-actualization and growth. By addressing all aspects of a person’s health, I help clients reach their fullest potential.
My mission is to empower individuals to live their best lives, embracing their intersecting identities and navigating life's challenges with resilience and authenticity. At Dr. Z Therapy and Coaching, we provide a supportive and inclusive space where clients can explore their unique paths, cultivate personal growth, and achieve fulfillment. Through compassionate therapy and personalized coaching, we inspire our clients to overcome obstacles, celebrate their true selves, and create a life that is rich, meaningful, and aligned with their deepest values.
Where are the main challenges you see your clients facing?
We recognize that the main challenges many of our clients face today include a lack of community, relationship difficulties, struggles with connectedness, and transitions of various kinds. Additionally, anxiety is a common thread that runs through the experiences of the majority of our clients.
We work extensively with graduate and college students who often contend with imposter syndrome and the difficulties of navigating constantly changing environments with multiple demands. These students face unique pressures and uncertainties, making the need for support and guidance paramount.
Our practice also supports couples who are striving to understand and establish their sense of normalcy and connection within their relationships. Relationship challenges can be complex and multifaceted, and we are dedicated to helping couples build stronger, more fulfilling connections.
We work with teens who are struggling with anxiety and ADHD, providing them with the tools and strategies needed to manage these challenges effectively. Similarly, we support adults who are discovering for the first time that they struggle with anxiety and ADHD, helping them navigate this new understanding of themselves and develop coping mechanisms.
Each of our clients comes with a unique story, and our approach is tailored to meet their individual needs. We emphasize the importance of community and connectedness, recognizing that these elements are crucial for mental well-being. By addressing the challenges of transitions, relationship dynamics, and anxiety, we aim to empower our clients to lead more balanced and fulfilling lives.
At Dr. Z Therapy and Coaching, our mission is to empower individuals to live their best lives by embracing their intersecting identities and navigating life's challenges with resilience and authenticity. We are dedicated to providing a supportive and inclusive space where clients can explore their unique paths, cultivate personal growth, and achieve fulfillment. Through compassionate therapy and personalized coaching, we strive to inspire our clients to overcome obstacles, celebrate their true selves, and create a life that is rich, meaningful, and aligned with their deepest values
Can you share a success story or a particularly impactful experience that highlights the benefits of your services?
There are so many stories, but this is the one that stands out the most. I have had the privilege of working with a client for three years, starting when she was an incoming freshman in college. She was struggling with depression, ADHD, and anxiety. This client faced significant challenges in her family dynamic, organization, and transitions. She moved far from the only community she had ever known, which added to her sense of isolation and self-doubt.
Throughout her journey, she constantly questioned her abilities and there were moments when she considered dropping out of school because everything felt so overwhelming. She couldn’t see her own value. However, through our time together, she experienced her first relationship, navigated these immense challenges, and learned techniques to manage her symptoms across different stages of her life—understanding that life is not linear.
Her dedication and perseverance paid off as she graduated early with honors. Despite feeling overwhelmed and defeated at times, she never let these feelings stop her and remained consistent with her therapy. Now, she is thriving in her first job and learning to navigate new challenges.
Moments like this reaffirm the importance of the work we do at Dr. Z Therapy and Coaching. Seeing a client grow from a place of struggle to one of accomplishment and self-assurance is incredibly rewarding and underscores the transformative power of therapy and support.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?
I would change how mental health providers are perceived and treated. As mentioned earlier, mental health is often the first aspect of well-being to be neglected when times get tough. Mental health providers, despite being highly trained professionals, are frequently doubted and questioned. The rates set for our services reflect the extensive training, time, and dedication required to provide high-quality care.
Insurance policies often create barriers to affordable healthcare by paying providers insufficiently or untimely, making it challenging for clinicians to offer more accessible services. Understanding that mental health is just as important as physical health is a crucial first step. Just as no one questions the doctor or the price during a checkup or the dentist when treating a cavity, the expertise and commitment of mental health providers should be equally respected and valued.
Clinicians invest significant time, energy, and personal wellness to ensure they offer the best support possible. By recognizing and valuing this dedication, we can better support the vital role mental health providers play in fostering overall well-being.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today.
Wow. There have been countless pivotal moments that have shaped my journey to where I am today and where I strive to be. Yet, one particular moment stands out vividly from my teenage years. I consider myself both spiritual and religious, with these dimensions intertwined in my life. My late spiritual mentor, Dr. Wanda Turner, once shared with me that God had revealed I would become a healer. At that time, as a teenager with aspirations of becoming a pediatrician, I thought she was referring to becoming a medical doctor and working with children.
Dr. Turner's words stayed with me, etched deeply into my memory. That night, I had a profound encounter with God, the impact of which resonates with me to this day. Now, reflecting on my journey, I realize that Dr. Turner foresaw the path I would embark on— dedicated to healing hearts and minds. However, my understanding of healing has evolved. It's not about possessing the power to fix everything and heal people as we know it, for that is beyond any one person. Rather, it is about being a vessel through which God brings healing to people from all walks of life.
Reaching this point has been a profound blessing. I cherish the platform I have been given, understanding the weight of responsibility that comes with it. Each day, I am humbled by the opportunity to serve and support others on their paths to healing.
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