What is Constructed Awareness (CA)?

CA is an innovative trauma therapy model developed by Tyler Orr that helps clients resource and process trauma through deepening awareness. It is based on three core principles:

1. Bringing awareness to the client’s experience changes their experience: Many therapeutic approaches focus on willpower to create change, but CA recognizes that inner peace isn’t earned through effort. Instead, by teaching clients how to observe their inner experiences—thoughts, sensations, and external senses—they can experience transformative change through simple awareness.

2. The human experience is made up of three building blocks: thoughts, sensations, and external senses: CA guides clients to bring mindful awareness to these building blocks, which shape how they experience and interpret themselves, others, and the world. Expanding awareness of these elements can significantly transform how clients regulate their emotions and connect with others.

3. Most people naturally orient their awareness toward one of these three building blocks: Some individuals spend more time in their thoughts (mentally oriented), others focus on their bodily sensations (sensation-oriented), and some focus on their external environment (externally oriented). CA uses a unique typology of six personality styles from these building blocks to help clients understand their orientation and develop personalized strategies to deepen self-awareness and emotional self-regulation.

Using these principles, CA offers a unique approach that helps clients connect with themselves in new ways and reprocess traumatic memories, often leading to lasting emotional relief. This model is designed to empower both therapists and clients in their healing journey.

Achievements and Expertise

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC/MHSP; Tennessee)

• Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC; North Carolina)

• National Certified Counselor (NCC)

• EMDRIA-approved consultant

• MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

• Current PhD Student in Counselor Education and Supervision

• Creator of Constructed Awareness (CA)

• President of the Constructed Awareness Institute

• Trainer and public speaker

• Published peer-reviewed research and conceptual articles regarding CA’s application to trauma therapy.

• Continued research efforts to establish CA as evidence-based.

Tyler has delivered training to hundreds of therapists and continues to refine CA, which is growing rapidly as a trusted method for addressing trauma. He helps therapists and clients achieve meaningful and lasting growth. Tyler’s passion for making mental health accessible drives his work, and he is dedicated to empowering both therapists and clients through innovative, science-backed approaches.

Testimonials

"Tyler did an outstanding job in his interview on my podcast. His deep understanding of chronic pain and its emotional roots, combined with his innovative Constructed Awareness approach, offers a truly eye-opening perspective. His ability to clearly explain complex concepts, such as the mind-body connection and the nervous system’s role in pain, makes these ideas accessible and practical. His thoughtful responses showcase his expertise and genuine passion for helping clients. Tyler’s discussion undoubtedly provides valuable guidance for both therapists and those dealing with chronic pain. I highly recommend listening to this interview for a fresh and enlightening perspective!" — Destiny Winter, The Chronic Illness Podcast

"Tyler was a guest on my podcast, The Compassionate Climb, in February 2024, where we discussed Constructed Awareness. This information was not only helpful to me as a clinician and consultant, but I am confident it was equally beneficial to my audience, as the feedback I received was positive. His journey into the mental health field is inspiring, and his development of this approach to therapy is innovative and insightful. He shares how his experience practicing EMDR led him to identify its limitations and expand, which is commendable. I highly recommend him as a guest, as he has much to offer both the host and listeners.”— Julia Nepini, The Compassionate Climb.