Tampa Therapist Specializing in Men's Work, Couples Therapy & Identity Exploration
Tyler MacDonald, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Over 7 years of clinical experience supporting men, couples, and individuals through crisis intervention, relationship challenges and identity exploration
About Tyler
Tyler utilizes a systemic, trauma-informed approach that balances individual strengths and motivations against the deeper, universal challenges each client faces. He incorporates motivational interviewing, person-centered, Jungian, and existential approaches to help clients generate insight into their strengths, skill sets, and passions. Tyler believes counseling is not about creating something new, but about removing the barriers to what has always been within you.
Credentials & Education
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) — Florida | License #MH23646
M.A. in Counselor Education from the University of Central Florida with a focus in Clinical Mental Health
Trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Video Introduction
Who Tyler Supports
Tyler works with:
Men navigating identity, purpose, and masculinity — exploring what it means to be a man in today's world, developing healthy masculinity, and breaking free from restrictive cultural narratives
Individuals exploring identity and self-discovery — exploring spiritual exploration and existential questions about meaning and purpose
Adults struggling with anxiety and depression — seeking deeper insight into patterns rather than surface-level symptom management
Neurodivergent individuals — ADHD, autism spectrum differences, and other neurodivergent presentations
Men working through anger — understanding the roots of anger and developing healthier expression
Adults processing grief and loss — navigating bereavement, existential loss, or anticipatory grief
Couples addressing infidelity or trust ruptures — rebuilding connection and understanding deeper relational patterns
Tampa & St. Petersburg clients value Tyler's comfort with difficult conversations and his ability to help them develop the skills to initiate those conversations in their own lives.
Tyler’s Approach to Therapy
Tyler blends evidence-based modalities with existential, Jungian, and systemic approaches. His sessions are compassionate, insight-oriented, and focused on removing barriers rather than forcing change.
He focuses on:
Supporting men's work and healthy masculinity development — exploring identity, emotion regulation, relationships, and purpose
Facilitating identity exploration — exploring spiritual questions and existential concerns
Processing trauma through a systemic lens — understanding how past experiences shape current patterns
Building emotional awareness and regulation skills using DBT and ACT
Addressing anxiety and depression with CBT and existential approaches
Processing grief and loss — honoring loss while finding meaning and connection
Navigating difficult conversations — helping clients develop the courage and skill to address what matters most
Tyler creates a space where clients can confront challenging questions, develop insight, and connect with their inherent strengths and values.
What Tyler Helps Clients With
Tyler supports St. Petersburg and Tampa clients experiencing:
Anxiety and anxiety disorders
Identity exploration, self-discovery, spirituality and existential questions
Men's issues and masculinity
Neurodivergence (ADHD, autism spectrum)
Self-esteem and confidence challenges
Anger management and emotional regulation
Grief and loss
Infidelity and couples challenges
OCD and obsessive thought patterns
Tyler’s Background & Training
Tyler's clinical & professional experience includes:
Residential-based substance use disorder treatment
Crisis-level eating disorder programs
Work with victim advocacy centers
Growing up in a family-owned funeral home, developing early comfort with death, grief, and difficult conversations
Training in trauma-informed approaches across multiple clinical settings
Specialization in identity exploration, men's work, neurodivergence, and existential concerns
His advanced training includes:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Jungian and existential therapeutic approaches
A Message From Tyler
"Therapy isn't about becoming someone new—it's about removing the barriers to who you've always been. Whether you're navigating identity, confronting grief, or exploring what it means to live authentically, I'm here to help you face the challenging conversations and discover your own path forward."
Ready to work with Tyler?
We invite you to schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with us to begin your healing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions By Tampa & St. Petersburg Clients
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Men's work in therapy focuses on helping men develop healthy masculinity, emotional awareness, and authentic connection. This includes exploring cultural narratives about what it means to "be a man," learning to identify and express emotions beyond anger, navigating relationships with vulnerability, and finding purpose and meaning. It's about breaking free from restrictive gender roles while honoring masculine identity in ways that feel authentic and empowering.
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Existential therapy focuses on the deeper questions of human existence—meaning, purpose, freedom, mortality, and authenticity. While CBT addresses thought patterns and behaviors, existential therapy explores why certain patterns exist and what they reveal about your relationship with these universal themes. It's particularly effective for clients who feel something is "missing," who are facing major life transitions, or who are grappling with questions that go beyond symptom relief.
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Yes. Anger is often a secondary emotion masking fear, grief, shame, or powerlessness. Therapy helps you understand what's beneath the anger, develop healthier ways to express it, and address the underlying wounds driving the intensity. This isn't about suppressing anger—it's about understanding it and channeling it in ways that don't damage your relationships or life.
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Neurodivergent-affirming therapy recognizes that ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent presentations are differences, not deficits. Rather than focusing on "fixing" you to fit neurotypical expectations, therapy helps you understand how your brain works, develop systems that align with your neurology, and navigate a world not designed for you. The goal is to leverage your strengths while addressing genuine challenges—without pathologizing who you are.
