Exploring Life & Business with Justice Payne-Tyson of All Us We Counseling

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justice Payne-Tyson.

Hi Justice, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m a Paterson, NJ native who’s proud to call Houston home. I moved to Texas in 2010 to attend college (I was actually forced by my mother and grandmother, later for that though). I was the kid growing up who would walk down the alleyways in between the corner stores and the liquor stores and meet people who were using drugs. Now I never used any, but I was just intrigued by what was happening. I would ask questions and strive to get to know their stories before they used their drug of choice. Mind you, we’re talking about a 10-year-old kid doing this. What I came to realize was that the people that we often walked by and paid no attention to were parents, doctors, lawyers, nurses, bakers, teachers, etc., but most importantly they were humans. Each person had a story and a reason for being in that alleyway, and they were telling me why.

This phenomenon of people “telling me why” started occurring more and more after this. From peers in school, the random guy on the bus going to NY, the lady in the laundromat who moved my wet clothes from the dryer, the judge appointed to a high-profile case, you name it. As much as an introvert that I am, people just seemed to feel comfortable around me and wanted to vent.

Now at the time, people venting to me didn’t mean much; I was a good kid during the day and a knucklehead at night. What does the future look like? That’s where my mother and grandmother step in. My grandmother came to visit us from Texas shortly after I graduated high school and long story short, she and my mother basically jumped me. I’m joking, but a serious conversation happened where they wanted me to apply to colleges and change my path in life and I listened.

I began attending a well-known university in Texas and took on psychology as a major. I graduated and decided to pursue a master’s degree in counseling. While in the Master’s program, I realized I was the only Black male and that I still wasn’t feeling counseling overall. It just “wasn’t something that we do”. It wasn’t until one of my professors pulled me to the side and pleaded with me to be the change I wanted to see, that I started thinking about it differently.

I am now the proud owner of All Us We Counseling and the creator of Auto Therapy®. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who became the change that I wanted to see in the mental health community. I am authentically me, but still ethical in practice, which has earned me the nickname of the Neighbor “Hood” Therapist. I like telling anyone who’s willing to listen that if you walk in your truth naturally, you will find your gift and ultimately your purpose. People are still “telling me why” but now I can help them find “what’s next.”

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely hasn’t been smooth, but it’s all about perspective right? Some of the struggles I endured were former colleagues attempting to sabotage relationships I had built, the understanding that being a business owner was not the same as being a therapist, and juggling family time while building a business. I wouldn’t trade any of those situations named, as they have made me the business owner and therapist I am today; and for that I am grateful.

We’ve been impressed with All Us We Counseling, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
All Us We Counseling (AUW) was started in 2019 to bring forth a unique perspective and add some much-needed seasoning to the mental health community. I am the owner and one of the therapists for AUW. I specialize in Black male issues, couples/marriage counseling, and survivor’s guilt. I am known as the Neighbor “Hood” Therapist due to my unique ability to meet individuals where they are regardless of where they were raised while still being genuine. People really can appreciate when you are authentically you, but can still be a professional.

I created a new form of counseling called Auto Therapy, in which your therapist drives you around town while conducting the therapeutic session. I help clients find solutions by using creative anecdotes and listening to hear instead of respond. These, alongside my humble life experiences, set me apart from others in my field. I am most proud of the creativity and authenticity that my brand represents. The feedback from clients has been overwhelmingly positive and I am beyond thankful and happy that I am allowed and able to help.

I want your readers to know that mental health counseling doesn’t have to be boring. At AUW you laugh, cry, get angry, and vent, but ultimately we do our best to help you heal. Get you a therapist that gets it. We exist! AUW offers individual and couples counseling, Autotherapy, telehealth, and life coaching. I also host an enjoyable podcast called the Black Man Misunderstood.

What matters most to you? Why?
Never forgetting my why. If I never forget why I have so much passion for what I do, I can never forget who I am. This helps me continue to be a loving husband & father, a respected son, brother, uncle, cousin, grandson, and most importantly a proud Black Man who lives his truth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://alluswecounseling.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneighborhoodtherapist/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcrRr08QQQQw9kO-vwr7P1A
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/1k0xd3WSQdoR0ArLOVm8Rd

Image Credits
@marzdouble