About Us: Meet Tykisha Bays, LSW, CADC

Tykisha Bays, LSW

I am a Licensed Social Worker and Certified Addiction Counselor, but I am often thought of as an encourager and motivator of self-change.  My clients experience me as empathetic, compassionate, understanding, and an advocate of their personal growth, which combined, creates a safe space and therapeutic environment. I try not to take myself too seriously, but when it comes to matters of life; I pride myself in being authentic and walking alongside my clients in their personal life journeys. 

My Background…

I grew up in Chicago, IL. where I received my Masters’s Degree in Social Work, from UIC-Jane Addams College of Social Work. As a therapist, I have worked in the mental health field for over twelve years. Throughout my career, I have worked with a variety of diverse populations providing therapy services in residential and outpatient settings. In addition to DK Therapy, I am also a supervisor at a non-profit agency, working with individuals for clinical services of substance abuse and mental health treatment. This experience has fortified and strengthened my passion to work with individuals and couples; by helping them overcome their pain and brokenness that they have experienced throughout their life. 

How I help… 

I understand that trauma can have a wounding impact on a person’s well-being and how they interact with the world, themselves, and others. I have the desire to help individuals find hope when they cannot see the light at the end of the tunnel and feel as though they have no way out. I’m able to walk individuals alongside their journey, by utilizing skills in evidence base models such as Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Brief Strategic Family Therapy.

These skills are used to help individuals find their strength and motivation for the change they wish to see in their lives. I understand that each individual’s journey will vary from person to person and I will meet each individual client where they are at in their personal journey. Although I am the therapist, each individual will have the ability to take the lead in directing their treatment for their individualized goals. I will be there as a support, to guide them through the process of self-change.  

In addition, I work with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, Addiction, and couples in need of counseling to strengthen their relationships. My goal is to help individuals and couples build better insight, self-awareness, and positive coping skills to achieve their individualized treatment goals. This will also help to build better self-confidence for individuals, as they face the challenges of life. 

On a more personal note…

I enjoy music both listening to and playing it, poetry, trying new restaurants, and attending concerts and festivals. I also enjoy nature and vacationing to new places!