Life Transition, Relationships, Anxiety, Trauma / PTSD, Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Troy
Hi, I'm Dr. Troy Pharis, a licensed professional counselor with over 10 years of experience and a doctoral degree in health science. For the past five years, my clinical work has focused on active-duty military, veterans, first responders, and their families—people who often carry high-stress experiences long after service ends. Having served 20 years myself, I understand life in uniform and aim to provide a space where you don't have to explain the basics to be understood. I typically work with clients who are dealing with trauma, stress, anxiety, irritability, difficulty adjusting, or feeling stuck with no momentum for change.
I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an action-oriented approach that helps you stop getting stuck and start moving toward what matters most to you. I also incorporate EMDR to help process past events that may still be impacting you. Clients can expect a laid-back, informal environment with real conversations and tools that actually work.
You don't have to have everything figured out to begin or even know where to start—if you're ready to move toward what matters most, I'm here to help you take that next step.
"As a veteran and counselor, I help service members, first responders, and their families make sense of what they’ve been through and take practical steps toward a life that reflects what matters most to them. "
Get to know Troy
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
I enjoy helping people. I have always been serviceminded. In high school, I was a volunteer firefighter and joined the military as soon as I was old enough to serve. My college journey began while on active duty, and over time, I gravitated toward psychology. That progressed to my counseling program and licensure as a therapist. It just felt like a great fit. I enjoy helping people move toward the life they value. I also really enjoy training other therapists in their journey to become great counselors.
What types of clients do you work best with?
I tend to work best with people who want to change but are struggling with finding the motivation or direction.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?
I try to remind them that it's taken a long time to get to this point and may take some time to get where they want to be. Being patient with yourself is key.
What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?
I am naturally curious and like to learn not only about the concern that brought you in, but also what you want from yourself and your life. I am not heavily diagnosis-focused and strive to find how your symptoms are stopping you from achieving a values-driven future.
What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?
My life as a father, husband, teacher, and veteran all inform my practice. Years of study outside of counseling also allow me to draw on history, literature, movies, and stories to find ways to relate situations.
How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?
I strive to help clients identify their personal values and goals. Many times, we are working toward someone else's or a perceived value that is not deeply held. This causes us to lose motivation and drive.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 13 years
- Graduating institute
- South University
- Graduating degree
- Master of Arts in Professional Counseling
Additional details
Practice information
Book your first session
