Tammy Reed

I am an experienced counselor working in both the medical and behavior health side of mental illness and substance use disorders.

I bring over 25 years of my own framework to my sessions: In 2021 one of my clients jokingly began referring to me as “the thug Therapist” in a group setting and it caught on to others. I did like the name but decided to embrace it and reflect on the name because of my direct, honest, and accountability-focused counseling style. At that time, I was studying for licensure and resonated with Glasser’s Reality Therapy, Gestalt and the idea of Culturally Responsive Care (CRC). Rather than rejecting the name. I reflected on what my clients were experiencing in our work together and developed it into a counseling framework that represents my approach to counseling. It was just my philosophy at the time and that approach evolved into a framework I now call The THUUG Method.

THUUG that is standing for: Therapeutic, Honesty, Unlocking, Unstoppable Growth.

The THUUG Method is a relationship-centered framework that, at its core, links elements of Reality Therapy, Culturally Responsive Care, and other theories in counseling. I believe healing begins with a strong therapeutic relationship between the therapist and client so building a solid rapport doesn’t happen in a few sessions and may not in a few months. Together, we explore the beliefs, patterns, behaviors, and experiences that may keep a client stuck. I identify what needs to be unlocked and possibly unlearned to challenge what is no longer serving the client. Then create practical steps toward meaningful and continuous growth.

As a Culturally Responsive Care (CRC) therapist, I recognize that behaviors do not happen without cause or context and culture matters. systemic experiences, and life circumstances all shape how we see ourselves and the world around us. Culture is not only limited to race or ethnicity, but also self-identity, families, workplaces, organizations, communities, faith traditions, systemic experiences and life circumstances. My approach is compassionate enough to understand your story and direct enough to help you change the narrative.

The THUUG Therapy is not about judgment, tough love, or criticism. It’s about connection, accountability, empowerment. It is about helping clients recognize their strengths, taking ownership of their choices, unlearning what no longer serves them, and unlocking to build the life they want to live. It’s where culture, truth, reality, accountability, and growth meets.

Clients can expect real conversations, real accountability, and real growth. While I provide support, encouragement, and understanding, I also challenge clients to examine whether their current choices, behaviors, and thought patterns are helping them reach their goals.


“Challenge without connection creates resistance. Connection before challenge creates opportunity for healing and growth”

-Tammy Flame Reed