Kara Hayes

Throughout my career as a trauma-informed therapist, I have dedicated myself to helping adolescents and young adults not just survive, but truly thrive. My approach weaves together evidence-based modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, relational and person-centered counseling, enhanced by specialized certifications in integrative mental health and neuropsychotherapy. This foundation allows me to understand the intricate connections between mind, body, and brain function.

By combining my expertise as a fitness instructor and personal trainer with my clinical background, I help clients build holistic strength—recognizing that mental wellness is deeply interconnected with physical vitality. My work is grounded in neuroscience, which illuminates how each person’s brain processes information and experiences differently. This understanding enables me to tailor interventions that honor each individual’s unique learning style and developmental needs, creating pathways for authentic growth and lasting resilience. I believe in meeting people where they are and empowering them with tools that extend far beyond the therapy room.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The first counseling session sets the foundation for our collaborative work together. We begin with informed consent, ensuring clients fully understand the therapeutic process, confidentiality parameters, and their rights within our therapeutic relationship. I then gather comprehensive background information to develop a holistic sense of who they are—exploring not only their current challenges but also their physical health, relationships, academic or work life, interests, and daily routines. Simultaneously, we begin a strength assessment, identifying the resources, skills, and resilience they already possess. This strengths-based perspective becomes the cornerstone for forming meaningful therapeutic goals that reflect their values and aspirations, creating a roadmap for our work together that feels both achievable and authentically theirs.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​