SMR Counseling- Anthony P. Brooks

01/10/2026

Hey everyone,

First, I just want to say thank you for the feedback, support, and engagement over the past few weeks. The traffic on this page has grown by over 4,000% in the last month, which is honestly wild to me.

I don’t use this social media all that often, but this has been a good reminder that I probably should. I really appreciate all the love and encouragement.

I also wanted to take a moment to answer a few of the questions I’ve been getting most frequently:

1. Do you take insurance? If so, which ones?
Yes, I take many insurance plans. According to Zocdoc, I’m currently in-network with over 200 plans. It’s hard to give an exact number because of all the subsidiaries and variations, but Zocdoc is usually pretty accurate, so I’m going with what it lists 🙂

2. Do you offer in-person sessions?
At this time, I primarily work out of my home office and provide services virtually. I do offer limited in-person sessions, mainly for local clients. Roughly 99% of my work is conducted virtually across secure platforms.

3. Do you travel for sessions?
Occasionally, I travel within the states where I’m licensed for work. When that happens, I sometimes coordinate in-person sessions with existing virtual clients.

4. What states are you licensed in?
I’m currently licensed in Illinois and Missouri. I also do some international work, though that is strictly in a coaching or consultative capacity, not psychotherapy.

5. Do you accept self-pay (cash pay)?
Yes. I do offer self-pay options and a limited sliding-scale arrangement. Please feel free to reach out to me directly if you’d like more information or have questions about self-pay options.

6. What therapeutic models do you use?
My base approach integrates CBT, Adlerian therapy, and Reality-Based strategies. Together, these frameworks allow me to focus strongly on goals, purpose, and direction, which often makes it easier to identify and disrupt cognitive distortions that keep people stuck.

Beyond that foundation, I draw from other approaches as needed. I’ve been in the field for most of my adult life, and I believe firmly in using the right tool for the right job, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all model.

7. Any specialties?
As a proud, card-carrying member of the ADHD community, I work a lot with neurodivergent clients. Having both lived experience and formal training has made this an area I seem to do well in. While I don’t currently hold active specialty certifications in this area, it remains a strong focus of my work (so, I’m still claiming it 😄).

I also frequently work with individuals diagnosed with Cluster B personality disorders, including antisocial, narcissistic, borderline, and histrionic personality disorders. This population is one many clinicians find challenging, but I’ve found that these clients often engage well in my style of treatment—and I genuinely enjoy the work.

Additionally, I hold certificates in relationship counseling, with experience working with LGBTQ+ relationships, kink-affirming therapy, and polyamorous dynamics.

One of the more niche areas I’m trained in is CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia). I don’t use it as often as some other approaches, but it’s a fascinating and very effective discipline when utilized correctly.

Those are the most common questions I’ve been getting, so hopefully this helps clarify a few things.

As always, thank you all so much for the continued support. I truly appreciate it!

Thank you,

Anthony P. Brooks MA, LCPC, LPC

01/02/2026

As 2025 wraps up, I just want to take a moment to say thank you.

To my clients—thank you for trusting me with your stories, your struggles, and your growth. This work is personal, and it’s something I never take for granted.

To everyone who has supported this practice, shared my name, encouraged me, or simply checked in along the way—thank you. This year brought a lot of growth and a lot of learning, and none of it happens alone.

After a lot of requests from clients, I’m also excited to share that I am now licensed in Missouri, which means I can officially serve folks on both sides of the river. Expanding access while still keeping the work grounded and intentional has always mattered to me, and I’m glad to be able to do that.

I’m proud of what 2025 brought and genuinely excited to see what the new year holds for SMR Counseling. Thank you for being part of this journey—here’s to continued growth, good work, and moving forward together in 2026.

01/01/2026

Cause sometimes you just have to vibe lol

12/09/2025

Fascinating, I'd need to see a bit more research on this before I form a true opinion. Very cool so far, though.

Scientists have identified the first gene shown to directly cause mental illness.

It is a discovery that is reshaping how we understand the mind. Researchers found that rare mutations in a gene called DISC1 can disrupt how brain cells grow communicate and organize during development. When this gene malfunctions it can change the structure of key brain circuits in ways that increase the risk of serious mental health conditions.

What makes this finding so important is its clarity. For decades scientists knew mental illness involved complex interactions between genes environment and life experiences but no single gene had ever been proven to directly trigger these changes on its own. DISC1 changed that. When researchers studied families carrying the mutation they found strong patterns of mood disorders schizophrenia and other conditions linked to the exact same gene disruption.

This does not mean one gene explains everything. Mental health is still shaped by many biological and emotional factors. But the discovery of DISC1 shows that some conditions begin deep in the brain’s wiring long before symptoms appear. It also opens the door to more precise treatments that target the biology behind the disorder instead of only treating the symptoms.

Here is the human side of this. Mental illness is not weakness. It is not a personality flaw. It is often the result of forces far beyond conscious control. Understanding the brain’s genetics moves us closer to care that is kinder smarter and grounded in real biology.

Science is not just explaining mental illness. It is helping remove the shame around it.

10/31/2025

A Note for Those Seeking Therapy

I feel like this needs to be said:

It’s not a therapist’s role to validate your bad choices.

Our job is to understand your thought process, your motivations, and your reasoning — not to “co-sign,” excuse, or help you escape accountability for your decisions.

A good therapist will not let you avoid owning your mistakes, regardless of your reasoning. Accountability and acceptance of your role in your situation are some of the most important parts of the healing process.

You may feel like “my therapist doesn’t understand,” but often, they do understand — deeply. They just don’t agree.

Understanding does not equal agreement.

10/23/2025

Nothing worth having ever came easy or quick.

Healing and becoming whole is a tried and true process, but it is not quick.

You have to be willing to try and fail numerous times.

Each failure teaches you a lesson and strengthens the neurological connections related to that task.”

10/05/2025

Notice of Office Closure

Due to a death in the family, the office will be closed on Tuesday, October 7th. I’ve reached out to reschedule with everyone, but if I missed you, please know you can log into your client portal to adjust your appointment. You’re also welcome to text me directly if that’s easier.

Please understand that, as I work to move appointments around, my hours may be slightly varied this week.

Thank you for your understanding and support during this time.

08/27/2025

The new logo for the business, designed by me

Takes the Phoenix emblem from the family business that was ran out of the family house, a hint of Nightwing back and blue, and a smidge of purple to honor my mother....

All in all, I think it's a fitting emblem to usher in the next iteration of SMR Counseling.

Symbolizes and pays tribute all the greatest influences in my life, in one form or another.

SMR Counseling- Grounded in Community, driven by science and experience, and building a legacy that reaches the stars.

Mental Health Counseling & Life Skills Coaching

08/11/2025

Hello, everyone!

I’m back from vacation, and my schedule is now open for new clients. I’m excited to finish the year strong and support you in reaching your goals.

Summer can be a busy and sometimes overwhelming season for both parents and kids. With the new school year beginning, this is a wonderful time to refocus and prioritize your mental health.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to resume sessions, now is ideal. My availability is limited, but I’ll do my best to accommodate everyone who reaches out.

Wishing you all a smooth and happy start to the school year!

08/02/2025

SMR Counseling will be closed starting at 3:00 p.m. today, August 2, 2025, and will reopen at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 11th.**

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency during this time, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

In the meantime, take care of yourself—stay safe, be mindful, take your medication, lean on your coping strategies, get some movement in, and spend time with those who matter most.

And remember: every moment is a chance to turn things around for the better.

07/17/2025

Hello everyone,

Thank you, as always, for your continued support and trust in SMR Counseling. Your encouragement means the world to me.

2025 has been an incredible year, and I’m already excited about what’s ahead.

In 2026, I will be officially launching the consulting branch of SMR Counseling. This new venture will focus on partnering with businesses of all sizes to address mental health burnout, boost morale, and support individuals as they navigate our ever-changing society.

I’m also planning to introduce a series of webinars, with filming tentatively scheduled for late December.

I'll also be offering weekly group sessions—virtually or in person, depending on demand.

Some of the groups will explore topics such as:

* Managing mental health as a man in a society that often overlooks this experience
* Navigating life as a person of color in a world where marginalization is real
* Breaking generational cycles
* Reclaiming your personal power
* Harnessing ADHD as your unique superpower

I have many ideas in development and remain deeply committed to providing the highest quality mental health services.

I stand behind my skills and believe that my diverse experiences give me a unique perspective and approach—one that sets my work apart from traditional mental health treatment.

Importantly, this new consulting work will not affect my current caseload or the individual clients I serve.

I am truly grateful for the opportunity to live out my dream as a therapist, and none of this would be possible without your ongoing support and the referrals you kindly send my way.

Thank you again for being part of this journey.

With the utmost respect and appreciation,

Anthony P. Brooks, LCPC

07/06/2025

For all my couples out there from a licensed clinician who is certified in relationship counseling.

Studies show the happiest and most successful marriages are based on 3 big principles:

#1. The husband respects his wife as an equal, no little lady that is helpless and needs saving. While they may have their own lanes within the house. It is still an environment of equality.

#2. The wife doesn't act like a mother. She holds him accountable, encourages him, yet still has her own interests and life. Doesn't need to be attached at the hip.

#3. They can communicate without emotions being high. A lot of times couples let things build up and they only express their thoughts/ feelings when there's anger/heartbreak/depressed, so while message may be accurate, the delivery can be ineffective.