I realized in 3rd grade that I wanted to be a psychologist. Although I didn’t really know all of what that entailed, I wanted to help other people understand their confusing thoughts, overwhelming emotions, and feel less alone. This realization came after my first therapy session with Ms. Donna. After spending most of my life being extremely curious (and often perplexed) about others’ actions, I learned that talking to a trained professional, someone to help you sort out what is going on inside you and in the world around you, was a precious gift. From then on, the only career path I ever had interest in was psychology. Just 10 years of college, one dissertation, and student loans later, my dream became reality.
Since that day, I have been honored to be able to share in people’s lives. It is not lost on me how difficult it is for people to open up, be vulnerable, and share parts of themselves to a stranger. Hopefully I can quickly earn your trust and create a space where you feel comfortable and safe. I aim to be authentic, which means I show up as I am—sometimes messy, distracted by birds (to be fair, it isn’t uncommon for them to fly into my windows mid-session!), and finding moments of laughter. I am grateful everyday I get to do this job!
Education
Forest Institute of Professional Psychology
Springfield, Missouri – Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D.),
August 2004 (Full APA Accreditation)
Missouri State University
Master of Science in Guidance and Counseling, December 1998
Pre-Doctoral Internship
Dwight D. Eisenhower Veterans Administration Medical Center, Leavenworth, Kansas (Full APA Accreditation)
University of Missouri
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, May 1996
Tonya Miles, PsyD
Specialties &
Clinical Experience
Psychotherapy and Diagnostic Assessments
ADHD Assessment and Treatment
Depression and Anxiety
Prenatal and Postpartum Mood and Anxiety
Trained as a Somatic Experiencing practitioner for treating trauma
Couples and family counseling
Parenting Support
Addiction and Recovery
Utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing techniques
My clinical work is influenced by Family Systems theory, mindfulness, with mix of other useful strategies such as Motivational Interviewing, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Prior teaching positions at Missouri State University and Johnson County Community College
Served on the Postpartum Support International (PSI) board and in the role of board president
Former board member and president role in the Greater Kansas City Psychological Association
Board member of local chapter of Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD), ADHDKC
Member of Children and Adults with ADHD (CHADD)
Member of American Psychological Association including APA Divisions: Psychologists in Independent Practice and Clinical Psychology
New Patients
Tonya is accepting new patients via in-person and telehealth sessions (in most states, see below)
Dr. Tonya Miles is available for telehealth visits for clients in Kansas, Missouri, and all states part of PSYPACT. PSYPACT is an interstate compact which offers a voluntary expedited pathway for practice to qualified psychologists who wish to practice in multiple states. PSYPACT is designed to facilitate the practice of telepsychology across state boundaries. In order to practice telepsychology in PSYPACT states, psychologists licensed in PSYPACT states only, can apply to the PSYPACT Commission for an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT). The PSYPACT Commission is the governing body of PSYPACT and is comprised of one representative from each PSYPACT state. More information regarding PSYPACT and its requirements can be found at www.psypact.gov. Current participating PSYPACT states can be found here.
Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) granted by the PSYPACT Commission, 08/12/2024, APIT # 11676