About me

Hello, my name is Tonya Hillman and I would love to help guide you through many of life’s challenges. Having worked for nine years as a Licensed Professional Counselor in two states, Missouri and Alabama, and currently working towards my Ph.d in Counseling Education and Supervision, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals ranging in ages on a multitude of platforms concerning mental health and processing what is happening in their lives.
Navigating through today’s challenges for teens can be difficult and unfamiliar. I work hard to provide a safe, attentive, and nonjudgmental environment where teens can explore and process the difficulties concerning social environment, self esteem issues, bullying, substance abuse, trauma, coping with loss or grief, and everyday stressors. Drawing primarily from the Cognitive-Behavior approach, I work with teens to identify the negativity within their life and help them to process and change these thoughts through behavioral changes and coping strategies.
Seeking help for today’s challenges is an important and sometimes difficult decision and not one I take lightly. I will develop a specific treatment plan based on your needs to help you accomplish your therapeutic goals. I am here for you.


Specialties

  • Stress, Anxiety
  • Grief
  • Self esteem, Motivation
  • Depression
  • Coping with life changes
Also experienced in:
Addictions , LGBT , Relationship issues , Trauma and abuse , Parenting issues , Anger management , Bipolar disorder , Compassion fatigue , ADHD , Adoption and Foster Care , Communication problems , Forgiveness , Guilt and shame , Read more...

Clinical approaches:
Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy

Years of Experience: 9

Services offered


  • Messaging

  • Live Chat

  • Phone

  • Video

Licensing

AL LPC 3463

MO LPC 2012007128


Reviews

These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Tonya Hillman. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with Teen Counseling might be different.

Written on Jul 19, 2021 after therapy with Tonya for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coping with life changes, and coaching

She's a really really nice and understanding person and a professional.

Written on Jul 19, 2021 after therapy with Tonya for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Tonya Hillman is an amazing listener and very insightful. She poses relatable questions that really make me think. She has truly helped me to start getting my life back in order.

Written on Jun 22, 2021 after therapy with Tonya for 1 year and 2 months

She is extremely supportive but she does not allow you to indulge in self pity. She keeps moving you on toward healing.

Written on May 20, 2021 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Tonya is amazing! She is very knowledgeable and so caring. She has a wonderful way of putting things in perspective and she is great at making specific suggestions to help you through your process.

Written on May 15, 2021 after therapy with Tonya for 3 weeks

Tonya is awesome. She listens and helps me see things from a different perspective. She doesnt just tell me what I want to hear and she is smart. I truly value her opinion and appreciate her. I would recommend her to anyone.

Written on May 12, 2021 after therapy with Tonya for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and adhd

Tonya is a wonderful Counselor that was ready to listen to me and helped me to identify my struggles and how to best combat them. She was always kind, but willing to tell me something that I need to hear, even though sometimes I didn't necessarily want to hear it. I am very thankful for her and her work!

Written on Apr 21, 2021 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, bipolar disorder, coping with life changes, and adhd

She is very good at what she does. She makes me feel like I have a safe and comfortable environment.

Written on Dec 03, 2020 after therapy with Tonya for 10 months

Tonya is great! She offers a variety of skills and she is quite personable. She has a good repertoire of adjunct tools and therapies to complement her sessions, and she is a good listener. Her sprightly personality always brightens my day and I usually find a new way to see things during my sessions with her. She is a gem! Thank you, Tonya, for all that you do to help others, and for sharing your gifts in the service of others through teen counseling.

teen counseling is such a wonderful resource for individuals and communities! My son also sees Tonya on their sister site for Teens.

Written on Oct 23, 2020 after therapy with Tonya for 1 year and 4 months

I love having Toyan for a counselor. She is always there when I need her and she provides me with a different perspective.

Written on Sep 28, 2020 after therapy with Tonya for 5 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Mrs. Tonya has worked wonders for me. She truly cares and wants to help. I have nothing bad to say. Thank you so much!

Written on Sep 21, 2020 after therapy with Tonya for 1 year and 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes

I have seeing Tonya for over a year and I have never connected with someone as much as I have with her. She is so kind and understanding and patient. She is so non judgemental and gives really sound advice! Will be with her for a while!

Written on Sep 19, 2020 after therapy with Tonya for 6 months

Tonya keeps it real, but makes sure you know that you are supported. Wouldn’t have it any other way. ❤️

Written on Sep 09, 2020 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, coaching, and adhd

Tonya is great, she listens, she helps steer me toward perspectives that I haven't been considering, and she offers strong advice steeped in a deep understanding of her style of counseling.

Written on Aug 25, 2020 after therapy with Tonya for 6 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, self esteem, and bipolar disorder

Tonya has helped me make some major changes that pulled me from a major depressive episode. I feel that I would be in the same place without much hope if I hadn’t sought counseling. I really like counseling by phone. It is much less intimidating.

Written on Jul 23, 2020 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes

Even though we have diffent beliefs. Tonya meets me on every level. I really think we are making a great team!:)

Written on Jun 28, 2020 after therapy with Tonya for 11 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with life changes, and coaching

Tanya always listens without judgment and helps me work through the issues I am dealing with.

Written on Jun 17, 2020 after therapy with Tonya for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, grief, and coping with life changes

Tonya is amazing! She helped me work through personal problems of setting boundaries and assertive communication. I was going through a divorce and she walked me through my emotions. I felt like I was talking to an old time friend that was giving me tools to better my life.

Written on Apr 06, 2020 after therapy with Tonya for 1 year

Tonya is excellent and has been great and I would highly recommend her to anyone. The teen counseling platform has made all this possible.

Written on Mar 20, 2020 after therapy with Tonya for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and anger management

She's patient and listens to me. I appreciate her being patient with how difficult talking about myself is.

Written on Feb 16, 2020 after therapy with Tonya for 1 year and 3 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties

Tonya knows exactly how to work with me. She allows me to get distracted from time to time before bringing the hard questions. I have improved so much since we began.

Written on Feb 12, 2020 after therapy with Tonya for 2 months

Tonya is very understanding and supportive. She has helped me through some very confusing and difficult times. I would not be where I am without her help!

Written on Jan 20, 2020 after therapy with Tonya for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, and coping with life changes

She is attentive and 100% understands me. Without judgement she listens to me.

Written on Jan 14, 2020 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, and compassion fatigue

Tonya is very friendly and easy to talk to. She is upfront and honest but she is also very respectful. She takes me input into consideration and I always feel so much better after one of our sessions.

Written on Jan 09, 2020 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and relationship issues

Tonya has been a great help to me and I always look forward to our chats!

Written on Dec 15, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Tonya is a great listener, empathetic and has given great advice and tools to navigate my way through my messed up life.

Written on Dec 14, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 6 months on issues concerning relationship

She is good and understands the situation well.

Written on Nov 28, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and adhd

Tonya is adept and skillful. She is empathetic, a truly kind soul. However, she does not coddle. God has blessed me by blessing her with intellect, compassion, and dedication.

Written on Oct 28, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, eating disorders, and compassion fatigue

I love how timely she is. She is always available. She listens and equips me accordingly with what I need. Will definitely recommend her.

Written on Oct 25, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem

Tonya is an incredible listener who allows her clients to narrate their experience and hides their growth with sensitivity and humor. The environment she creates in therapy is a safe space to explore one’s goals and overcome difficulties.

Written on Oct 15, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 1 year

Tonya is great and has really helped my family.

Written on Oct 03, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, parenting issues, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes

Tonya has been wonderful. She’s a great listener and you feel like you’re talking to a friend rather than a counselor. She has given me a lot of tools to help with my anxiety and I would definitely recommend her.

Written on Sep 30, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 1 year

Tonya was extremely helpful to me during my time of counseling. She listened well and always knew when to push/challenge me through something in order to keep moving forward. She was the ear I needed in order to pour our my frustration with to get to the root of my *real* issues.

Written on Sep 12, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, relationship issues, grief, and self esteem

I've only met with Tonya once so far, but what really stood out to me was the fact that she gave me a safe space to just cry. And that meant everything to me!!! She gave me a different perspective on a few issues I was struggling with, which allowed me to see myself and the situations in a different light. I plan on continuing to see her for as long as I can. Thanks Tonya!!

Written on Aug 19, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 months on issues concerning depression, addictions, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes

Tonya is very easy to talk to; she makes you feel extremely comfortable to opening up about yourself and your problems without any pressure. She makes talking to her feel like talking to a close friend rather than feeling nervous or at ease about talking to a professional. She's gotten me to overcome my struggles, forgive myself, and forgive others. She has helped me to move on with my future rather than dwell on my past and I couldn't be thankful enough.

Written on Aug 11, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 11 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and relationship issues

Tonya is a phenomenal counselor that has truly been a God send for my journey of being more aware of my emotions and my emotional intelligence. She is compassionate and cares deeply about her patients. Highly and 100% recommended!

Written on Aug 02, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and adhd

I have been working with Tonya for a few months now. There has been such a drastic change in me. It has truly helped to have her to talk to, listen and help sort out everything that goes on in this complicated brain of mine. I have had to cancel a few times last minute, because of my job or location if I didn’t have good service, and she was always understanding and helped even if we couldn’t video chat. I feel very comfortable opening up to her, and look forward to our chats each week. I would definitely recommend her.

Written on Jul 21, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 4 weeks

Tonya is always extremely patient and enthusiastic during our sessions. She's a great listener and remembers what I've mentioned in previous conversations. Her willingness to listen makes me look forward to our sessions.

Written on Jul 18, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 6 days on issues concerning stress, anxiety

I only video chatted with Tonya one time so far, but I can tell she is very educated and not only willing to help, but truly wants to help. We have chatted a few times back and forth, and she always responds immediately. She really brought me out of my comfort zone and I was able to tell her things about myself in the first visit that I have never told anyone before. She gave me advice and tips on things to help me and I have already had success thanks to her. I definitely recommend Tonya to anyone seeking help with anxiety like me, or any problem they are having.

Written on Jul 15, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and adhd

Tonya helped me work through getting a support system around me so that I could better manage my anxiety and depression. Tonya is very nice and open. I would definitely recommend her.

Written on Jul 11, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks

Tonya is great and easy to talk

Written on Jun 13, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks

Tonya is so easy to talk to! She is very quick to pick up on my needs as I talk to her. I’m really enjoying having her as a therapist.

Written on May 23, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, and self esteem

I feel comfortable speaking with Tonya. She listens well, asks questions and provides feedback that is helpful. I would definitely recommend Tonya.

Written on May 17, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and self esteem

Tonya was always there! Very professional and helpful in some of the most stressful moments of my life. Definitely contact her if you need that support in moments of depression and loneliness.

Written on May 08, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning grief, and self esteem

We've only had one session so far, but in that session, she was able to ease my concerns about a number of issues I thought were bigger than they actually were and brought another one to my attention that I did not realize was an issue. We had a wonderful session - very enlightening. She is most insightful, caring, compassionate, engaging and I loved our first session.

Written on May 01, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes

She is great and I have truly appreciated her help. She genuinely cares about my well being and has been a huge help.

Written on Apr 28, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, and anger management

Tonya is very attentive to my needs, especially when it comes to communication and getting to the root of what my issues are and what I want to improve about my life. She is very non-judgmental, but one of the things I like most about her is that she doesn’t shy away from the truth. She always tells me what I need to hear, even if she thinks it might be uncomfortable at first, and that’s a quality I think everyone needs in a counselor. I don’t feel that I would have made the progress I’ve made today without Tonya’s knowledge and expertise. From what I’ve experienced, she truly cares about helping her clients overcome their obstacles.

Written on Apr 17, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks

She was very helpful and accommodating for my needs.

Written on Feb 27, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 3 months

Tonya was very thorough, taking both my goals for therapy and my daughter"s and merging them into something truly beneficial. Though skeptical at first, regarding online therapy, this worked perfectly in our busy schedules. Tonya was able to connect with my daughter and help her work on issues and gave her tools to succeed. The counselors are REAL licensed therapists that care. Tonya was great at connecting with me regarding progress and expectations. Overall, it was a very good experience. Highly recommend the video calls for teens. It just fits with their current lifestyles. Try it. It works!

Written on Feb 20, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, anger management, and coping with life changes

Tonya is a great listener, she helps me to identify and isolate the issue so that I can work towards it. She also points out when I’m making progress and makes me feel better whenever our session is done. She takes an interest in my personal life and pushes me to strive towards new or unexpected things. I have definitely made progress since meeting her. Every day is a struggle but I now know that I can get through it and that there is no shame in asking for help.

Written on Jan 24, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes

Tonya is THE BEST!! She is super easy to talk to and listens extremely well. She is very interactive. Answers messages timely and helpfully. It’s only been a short time but I already feel better.

Written on Jan 16, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, and relationship issues

Tonya understands what I’m going through and is very supportive. She is honest with me about the longevity of dealing with my grief but she is here along the journey.

Written on Jan 16, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship

Ms Hillman is very easy to talk to, makes you feel really comfortable from the beginning.

Written on Jan 03, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem

Tonya has been wonderful, she has helped me gain insight into the problems I struggle with and is an awesome therapist. Always on time, engaging, and helpful. Would recommend her to anyone.

Written on Jan 01, 2019 after therapy with Tonya for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, and career difficulties

Tonya has been extremely understanding regarding my concerns and fears; thanks to our work together I have learned to control my anxiety and worries. Thank you Tonya!

Written on Dec 22, 2018 after therapy with Tonya for 2 months on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety

Ms. Tonya has been vital to my time at school this semester. She has helped me by offering exercises and advise to aid in managing anxiety and stress. I appreciate her beyond words.

Written on Dec 10, 2018 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship

Tonya is a caring individual with a depth of experience and an open mind to complex issues. Tonya teaches when she can, listens when she can and tries to remain compassionate and present when confronted with tough situations. She's made herself available when situations were tough and communicates well to set expectations.

Written on Dec 09, 2018 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship

Tonya is very open minded, available, and supportive. She is professional and reliable. I believe that she really works with the couple, providing tools and insights to help them sort through and find resolution in their relationships.

Written on Oct 08, 2018 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, anger management, and career difficulties

Tonya always answers me when I need her, and is always on time for our appointments. She takes the time to listen and give thoughtful feedback even when I need her at random times.

Written on Oct 08, 2018 after therapy with Tonya for 3 weeks on issues concerning relationship

We have been doing weekly counseling for around 3 weeks with Tonya Hillman. She has been very understanding and goes out of her way to try to understand both sides of the story. She has given us strategies and time to reflect. We are very pleased with her so far. Thank you Tonya!

Written on Aug 22, 2018 after therapy with Tonya for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship, self esteem, and career

It has been amazing the change I have seen in myself working with Tonya in just the 3 short weeks we have been working together. She is positive and encouraging. She always follows up and checks on me. I would recommend to anyone who needs someone on the outside to speak with.

Work with me!