Therapy Group of DC
Dr. Tyler Miles, Psy.D.
Performance, identity & building a life around what actually matters
If you’re someone who looks like they have it all together — the career, the relationships, the drive — but privately feels stuck, exhausted, or disconnected from what actually matters, I specialize in helping high-functioning professionals reconnect with who they are behind the role. Whether you’re facing burnout, trauma, or the pressure of a high-stakes environment, I work at the intersection of ambition and wellbeing — helping people who are often seen as “strong” get the support they actually deserve. My background spans sport and performance psychology, human rights, and clinical work, which means I understand what it’s like to hold a lot while pretending it’s fine. “I want high-performing individuals to experience support that doesn’t require them to perform.” I draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), CBT, and person-centered approaches — a combination that gives you both practical tools and deeper self-understanding. ACT helps you get unstuck from the thoughts and patterns that keep you running on autopilot, while CBT offers concrete strategies for managing anxiety, depression, and stress. And the person-centered foundation means the work always starts from where you are, not where someone else thinks you should be. In practice, this looks like a structured but warm space where you’ll explore your emotions, identities, and past experiences while building skills you can actually use. I’m direct without being pushy, and I’ll meet you with empathy while still helping you move forward. Interested in working with Dr. Miles? Take the first step — we’ll help you get started. I especially enjoy working with athletes, executives, lawyers, performers, and government officials — people who look “together” on the outside but are struggling on the inside. I completed an APA-accredited sport psychology internship, previously worked with UNC Charlotte student-athletes, and speak on athlete well-being for organizations including the Charlotte Hornets. My path to psychology wasn’t linear — I started in photojournalism and human rights work before finding my way here — and that background gives me a different lens on what it means to carry hard things while keeping it together for other people. You don’t need to have it all figured out to start. You just need a willingness to show up as you are. The goal isn’t to perform better at therapy — it’s to build a life where you don’t have to perform at all.
About Dr. Miles
My Approach
Educational Background
Common Questions
At the start, I focus on getting to know who you are — not just what brought you in, but the fuller picture of your life, your identities, and what matters to you. I’ll build a safe, empathic space where we can start exploring your emotions, thoughts, and past experiences together. I’ll offer support and acceptance while helping you gain new insight, and you’ll set the pace and direction of our work. There’s no performance required — just showing up.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps you stop fighting or avoiding difficult thoughts and feelings and instead build a life guided by what genuinely matters to you. Rather than trying to eliminate anxiety or “fix” negative thinking, ACT teaches you to make room for discomfort while taking action toward your values. It’s practical, present-focused, and especially effective for high-achievers who’ve been white-knuckling their way through life.
Yes. I work with couples navigating conflict, communication breakdowns, intimacy challenges, and questions about whether to stay or go. My approach with couples draws on the same foundation — creating a space where both people can be honest about what’s happening without performing for each other. I’m particularly experienced with couples dealing with work-life balance stress, cultural concerns, and relationship patterns that aren’t working anymore.
I do — it’s a core part of my background. I completed an APA-accredited sport psychology internship, worked clinically with Division I student-athletes, and continue speaking and publishing on the intersection of performance and mental health. Whether you’re a competitive athlete, a trial lawyer, or someone whose career demands constant high performance, I understand the particular pressure of needing to be “on” — and what it costs you when there’s no space to be anything else.
Ready — or still deciding?
Either way, we’ll make it easy. Get started with Dr. Miles directly, or tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll help you find the right fit. Takes a few minutes — no commitment.
Transparent Pricing & Insurance Support
Life in DC can be complicated. Insurance paperwork shouldn’t be. We handle the paperwork to make reimbursement simple.