Tanya J. Peterson, NCC, DAIS
Certifications:
National Certified Counselor
Diplomat of the American Institute of Stress (DAIS)
Area of Focus:
- Anxiety disorders and non-clinical life anxieties
- Stress
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Mindfulness
- Mindfulness-based strengths practice
- Positive psychology
Education:
M.S., Counseling, South Dakota State University
B.S. in honoribus, Education, Northern State University
Tanya’s Recent Articles
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: How It Works, Benefits, & Tips
Breathwork: How It Works, Effectiveness, & Tips for Getting Started
How to Love Yourself: 22 Tips From Therapists
Estrangement: Definition, Causes, & What You Can Do
Therapy Dogs & Therapy Animals: When Are They Used & How Do They Help?
Can Stress Kill You?
Projection: Definition, Examples, & Why People Do It
Mindfulness for Kids: How It Works & 17 Activities to Try Together
Failure to Launch Syndrome: Causes, Therapy Options, & 7 Ways to Cope
10 Benefits of Nature on Mental Health
Actively Moving Forward Review 2024: What’s Offered & Who It’s Right For
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): How It Works, Cost, & What to Expect
Professional Background
Tanya J. Peterson holds a Master of Science degree in counseling and is credentialed as a National Certified Counselor by the National Board of Certified Counselors. Additionally, she is a Diplomate of the American Institute of Stress. Formerly a high school teacher and school counselor, she has worked in traditional schools as well as an alternative school for homeless and runaway adolescents and young adults. Additionally, Peterson has provided play therapy and has worked with adults of all ages, helping people thrive through obstacles and challenges.
Peterson has given a live webinar for the American Institute of Stress and served on an expert stress panel for an organization serving business leaders. She has been a guest on numerous podcasts, including the American Institute of Stress’s Finding Contentment podcast, Let’s Keep It Real, A Quest for Well-Being, and more. She has also been a featured guest on the Empowered Living live talk show on Facebook. She shares her expertise, discussing anxiety, stress, gratitude, and practical tips for mental health, wellbeing, and thriving.
Peterson was asked to develop a mental health course for kids ages 8-12 by a prominent online/homeschool platform. Her comprehensive video course teaches kids about anxiety and equips them with skills drawn from mindfulness, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, yoga, and principles of healthy living so they can face their worries and other challenges positively.
She also provides live courses and presentations to address mental health and wellbeing. She has been a speaker at conventions, including the national convention of Mothers of Incarcerated Sons society, focusing on anxiety and stress, and the state convention of the Brain Injury Alliance of Oregon, highlighting acceptance and commitment therapy for dealing with the sequelae of traumatic brain injury. Peterson has been a keynote speaker for the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Lane County, Oregon as well as lead support groups, served on their board of directors; currently, she provides mental health courses for members of NAMI Lane County and the general community. She has created a curriculum about relationships and identity that she teaches in a local high school.
Professional Affiliations
- National Alliance on Mental Illness
- American Institute of Stress (Diplomate status)
- National Board of Certified Counselors
Online Publications
- HealthyPlace
- Cancer.net
- Authority Magazine
Books
Peterson has authored eight traditionally published mental health books, workbooks, and journals. Her books help people understand and discover positive ways to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. They focus on such approaches as acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and the principles of mindfulness. Because her books are also used by therapists in their work with clients, many of them are available for continuing education credits for mental health professionals.
Her books include:
- Break Free: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in 3 Steps
- The Mindfulness Workbook for Anxiety: The 8-Week Solution to Help Manage Anxiety, Worry, and Stress
- 101 Ways to Stop Anxiety: Practical Exercises to Find Peace
- The Mindful Path Through Anxiety: An 8-Week Plan to Quiet Your Mind & Gain Calm
- The Mindfulness Journal for Anxiety: Daily Prompts and Practices to Find Peace
- The 5-Minute Anxiety Relief Journal: A Creative Way to Stop Freaking Out
- The Morning Magic 5-Minute Journal: Inspiring Prompts to Set Intentions & Live with Gratitude All Day
- Mindfulness Journal for Depression: A Guided Journey Toward Self-Compassion and Positivity
