Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyrenia Cross.
Hi Tyrenia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story is really one of purpose unfolding over time. I didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur let alone a therapist. I set out to be obedient to the call on my life. I’ve always had a heart for being there for anyone in need which soon evolved to a heart of helping people heal and be healthy, especially those who have been through deep emotional pain. Early in my journey, I didn’t fully understand why that burden was so heavy on my heart. But as I walked through my own seasons of growth, God began revealing that my purpose was to help hurting women and their children move from brokenness to restoration.
Essence of Life Counseling Services was born out of that revelation. What started as a small private practice has grown into a space where faith, therapy, and transformation intersect. Over time, my work expanded beyond the therapy room—into supervision, community outreach, and creative projects that speak to the whole person. Through Dr. Ty Speaks, I’ve been able to share that message of healing and wholeness with a broader audience.
Looking back, every chapter has been about empowerment—helping others rediscover their voice, their worth, and their connection to God. My journey reminds me daily that entrepreneurship isn’t just about building a business; it’s about building people. And the vision God gave me many years ago—to reach women and families around the world with a message of restoration—is something I now see coming to life in ways I never imagined.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not—it’s been anything but a smooth road, but it’s been a meaningful one. Juggling multiple roles as a therapist, entrepreneur, supervisor, minister, and simply a woman navigating life hasn’t always been easy. There were seasons when I poured so much into others that I had to relearn how to pour back into myself. The constant challenge has been maintaining balance—staying consistent and intentional with self-care while managing the many responsibilities that come with leadership and vision.
There were moments when it felt overwhelming, but those challenges became my greatest teachers. They reminded me that rest is not weakness; it’s wisdom. I’ve learned to give myself permission to pause, pray, and replenish—because what I model for others has to come from a place of authenticity. My faith has anchored me through every high and low. God continues to show me that even in the hard seasons, He’s refining my capacity to serve and sustain.
So no, the road hasn’t been smooth—but it’s been purposeful. Every challenge has deepened my dependence on God and strengthened my belief that we can’t lead from depletion; we have to lead from wholeness.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Essence of Life Counseling Services was founded on the belief that true healing happens when the mind, body, and spirit are cared for in harmony. We provide professional counseling, clinical supervision, relationship coaching, and wellness education to help individuals, couples, and families live with greater balance, clarity, and connection. As a licensed therapist and board-certified sex therapist, I specialize in helping people navigate complex emotional and relational challenges whether that means rebuilding trust, deepening intimacy, or creating healthier patterns of communication and self-awareness.
In addition to my clinical work, I’m also an author who writes to speak to the many layers of the human experience. My books are designed to meet people where they are whether they’re healing from past pain, rediscovering purpose, or simply trying to live more intentionally in the moment. Writing allows me to extend the work I do in the therapy room into the hands and hearts of people I may never meet, which has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.
What sets Essence of Life apart is our holistic and person-centered approach. We don’t just treat problems; we cultivate transformation. My personal faith informs how I show up, with compassion, grace, and integrity, however our practice welcomes and supports people from all walks of life. We’re known for creating a safe, judgment-free environment where real conversations lead to real change.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Essence of Life has evolved into a sanctuary for restoration and growth. Whether through therapy, coaching, supervision, or writing, my mission remains the same, to help people heal, grow, be restored and thrive from the inside out.
What I want readers to know is that Essence of Life Counseling Services isn’t just a business; it’s an extension of purpose. Healing is possible. Wholeness is attainable. And with the right guidance, every person can rewrite their story and reclaim the fullness of their life one step at a time.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
It’s hard to choose just one favorite childhood memory because each one carries its own kind of joy and meaning. I can still picture myself standing at the back window, watching my mother in her garden so full of pride and passion for what she’d grown. There was something sacred about the way she nurtured life from the soil, and I think that planted a seed in me to nurture people in the same way.
I also loved sitting high up in the plum tree with my neighbor, feeling like we were on top of the world, talking about our dreams and what we wanted life to become. And every year, decorating the Christmas tree while my mother “supervised” from her chair, making sure the tinsel was perfectly placed, it was one of those small traditions that made home feel like love.
Even my Saturday nights at the skating rink felt special, because they were my little reward for showing up at church on Sunday. When I look back, those moments remind me that joy, discipline, and hope were always intertwined in my life. They taught me to appreciate beauty, faithfulness, hard work, consistency and community, values that still guide everything I do today.
Pricing:
- $150 for Individual Therapy
- $230 for Sex Therapy
- $60 Clinical Supervision
- $250 EMDR Session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.essenceoflifecounseling.com/
- Instagram: @DrTySpeaks
