Malikiya Hayes

Hi, I'm Malikiya Hayes, LCSW, and I believe therapy should be a space where you feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, navigating a major life transition, or finding yourself stuck in the same patterns in your relationships, your career, friendships, or the way you see yourself, you don't have to figure it out alone. As an LCSW with a background in medical social work, I've had the privilege of supporting individuals through complex life experiences, including chronic illness, cancer-related concerns, caregiver stress, grief, and significant life transitions. I also work with high-achieving women who often feel responsible for everyone else, including eldest daughters who have spent years carrying family expectations, putting others first, and struggling to prioritize their own needs without guilt.

My approach is warm, collaborative, culturally responsive, and tailored to your unique experiences. Using evidence-based approaches such as CBT, person-centered therapy, mindfulness, and strengths-based interventions, we'll work together to identify patterns that no longer serve you, build healthier coping strategies, strengthen your relationships, and create lasting change. My goal is to provide a nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe exploring who you are beyond your responsibilities. Together, we'll help you break unhelpful cycles, reconnect with yourself, and build a life that feels authentic, balanced, and fulfilling.

My approach to therapy is warm, collaborative, and genuine. I believe you're the expert on your own life, and I see my role as walking alongside you while you guide me through your story. I enjoy hearing the moments that have shaped you, noticing patterns you may not see yet, and helping you connect the dots with curiosity rather than judgment. Whether you're an eldest daughter carrying responsibilities that were never meant to be yours, feeling overwhelmed because life is simply lifing, struggling with stress or anxiety, or ready to begin unpacking trauma, therapy is a space where you don't have to carry it all alone.

I primarily use CBT and Person-Centered Therapy, tailoring each session to your unique needs and goals. Together, we'll explore the thoughts, experiences, and beliefs that may be keeping you stuck, while building practical tools to help you cope, set healthier boundaries, strengthen your confidence, and create lasting change. I strive to create a space where you feel heard, supported, and gently challenged. My hope is that you'll leave each session with greater insight, a few practical tools, and the confidence to move forward feeling more like yourself.

Starting therapy can feel exciting, nerve-wracking, or even a little uncertain, whether it's your first time in therapy or you're looking for a new clinician. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, heard, and accepted from the very beginning. During our first session, I want to get to know you beyond the reason you scheduled the appointment. I want to hear your story what has shaped you, what brings you to therapy now, what's been weighing on you, and what you hope life could look like moving forward. There's no pressure to have everything figured out or know exactly where to start. We'll go at a pace that feels right for you.

We'll also talk about your goals for therapy, any challenges you're currently facing, and what you hope to gain from our work together. Whether you're navigating stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck, we'll begin building a roadmap that feels realistic and personalized to your needs.