Alan Yarbrough earned his Doctorate in psychology from Tennessee State University in 1994. He developed a successful private practice serving a wide range of clients including school-age children, teenagers, adults, and the geriatric population. His practice also included consulting in a drug and alcohol program, consulting in multiple nursing homes, and consulting with the State of Tennessee Disability Determination Services and Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

In November 2002, Dr. Yarbrough was diagnosed with ALS [Lou Gehrig's disease] and eventually closed his private practice in 2004 when he lost his speech to the disease. Today, with the help of a communication device, he continues to share helpful insight and knowledge through his writings. Dr. Yarbrough resides in Hendersonville, TN with his wife and two children.