PhD. Brain Health Consultant. Author. Podcaster.
I Am Dr. Teralyn
When life knocks you down, calmly GET UP, SMILE and say, “You Hit Like a BITCH!”
We Should Probably Start at the Beginning...
SSRIs Stole My Life for 6 Years – And I’m Still Picking Up The Pieces
It all started five years after this photo was taken.
I was pregnant with my second child when my OBGYN casually asked if I had postpartum depression with my first. I said, “I think so.” That was all it took. At five months pregnant, I was prescribed an SSRI as a “preventative.”
What followed was a cascade of metabolic issues that still affect me today, six years of dependency, and—at times—no will to live.
It wasn’t until years later, after earning my PhD and becoming a mental health clinician, that I finally connected the dots. I saw the full picture. And I began to understand just how much pain these medications can cause—often in the name of help.
“I was prescribed a 'preventative' antidepressant, which isn't even a real thing".
My personal road to health was anything but paved...
In order to help others, I had to learn to help myself first.
My personal road to health was anything but smooth—it was raw, painful, and at times, nearly impossible to navigate. The SSRI I was prescribed during pregnancy, meant to be “preventative,” set off a chain reaction I never saw coming. Over time, it wreaked havoc on my adrenal system, disrupted my thyroid, and left me teetering on the edge of pre-diabetes. These weren’t just side effects—they were long-term consequences that reshaped my entire health journey. Even today, my adrenals and thyroid require ongoing support and care. But despite all of it, I found my way out. Living med-free, I’ve reclaimed my life, my clarity, and most importantly—my purpose. I’m no longer just surviving; I’m deeply listening to the pain others carry and helping them find a way through, just like I did.
“Focusing on myself for the first time in decades was best and worst of times.”
Facing Criticism, Reclaiming My Worth
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Throughout my journey to help others find freedom from medication, I’ve encountered a fair amount of pushback—sometimes from those I respected most. One mentor even warned me that I was risking my reputation by advocating for holistic healing, claiming it would all come crashing down.
But I’ve never been one to let fear dictate my path. Tell that to the media outlets that have featured my work—or to the American Psychological Association, who named me one of their preferred experts for interviews.
This journey isn’t about avoiding criticism or conforming to traditional norms. It’s about finding new ways to help people heal, and being bold enough to stand by what I believe can make a real difference in their lives. But something deeper happened along the way: I had to find my own worth. And when I finally did, I almost quit my PhD—not because I couldn’t finish, but because I no longer needed to prove myself to anyone. That moment changed everything. I stopped chasing approval and started standing fully in my purpose.
The recognition and support I’ve received simply confirm what I already know: I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be—even if not everyone agrees.
“When I stood in my own worth, I almost quit my PhD”
This Life Isn't Just For Me....
You too have the power to rewrite your med-free story and life the life you’ve always wanted. Starting Today
Do you see these shoes? These heels are special—which is why they show up in so many of my photos. I walked the stage in these heels to earn my PhD. Every step in them represents the sacrifices, the battles, and the breakthroughs. They’re a symbol of everything I’ve overcome—and of the women I now walk beside as they reclaim their lives too.
What I’ve built—this freedom, this clarity, this med-free life—isn’t just for me. It was never meant to be.
I sacrificed countless hours of education, research, and personal healing so that you can have the power to rewrite your own story, too. I walked through the fire so I could come back and hand you the map. Because no one deserves to feel stuck, numb, or like they’ve lost themselves to medication they were told they’d need forever.
This isn’t just about my healing. It’s about yours. And I’m here to help you take it back—on your terms, in your time, with someone who truly gets it.
"These heels carry the weight of my story—and my commitment to help others write theirs."
Most Days You Will Find Me ..
Living My Best Life!
Most days, you’ll find me sitting in my comfiest chair, sipping freshly brewed coffee and planning my next trip to the gulf (oh , and diving into work). I absolutely love what I do!
Helping others is in my blood; I come from a family of public servants, so it was ingrained in me to serve those around me. Thankfully, I can do just that by combining functional medicine and psychology.
I’m fiercely loyal to my family. I have build my life around them. As a mom of 3 adult kids, a Gigi and a wife, I’m pretty busy staying connected and loving each of them hard!
As an empty nester I’m redeveloping a sense of self and find myself enjoying the gulf sunsets more and more with my hubby.
“When I stood in my own worth, I almost quit my PhD”
A Glimpse into My World
The Things That Bring Me Joy
How Did i get here?
My Nitty Gritty
Here is the point where people typically want to know my qualifications for helping them. So here we go!
- PhD in Psychology with Addiction Study Focus
- MS in Counseling Psychology
- BS in Communications
- Functional Medicine Practitioner, Kalish Method Mentorship
- Holistic Nutritionist
- Clinical Herbalist
- Holistic Wellness Coach
- Certified Transformational Nutrition Coach
- Certified Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider
As if that’s not enough – I’m currently pursuing a degree in Biology because I’m a glutten for punishment (haha).
Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Teralyn
Discover how Dr. Teralyn’s (PhD) unique approach to mental wellness can help you reclaim your life. Her expertise in using food, nutrients, and amino acids offers a natural path to improving your mood and overall well-being. Reach out today to learn more about personalized strategies that can transform your mental health journey.