Rachael Hayles

You may be the person everyone turns to, the one who's always figuring things out, keeping it together, or making sure everyone else is okay. But what happens when you're the one feeling overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally exhausted, or unsure of what to do next?

I'm Rachael Hayles, a Licensed Professional Counselor with a master's degree in counseling and experience supporting individuals through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, family conflict, and major life transitions.

I understand that people come to therapy for different reasons. Some are looking for healthier ways to manage emotions or navigate difficult relationships, while others simply want to understand themselves better. Whatever brings you here, my goal is to help you feel comfortable being yourself while we work toward meaningful changes that fit your life.

My approach is warm, conversational, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that therapy should be more than having someone listen while you talk. I want you to feel heard and understood, but I also want our conversations to help you recognize patterns, explore different perspectives, and discover practical ways to navigate the challenges you're facing.

I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, person-centered therapy, and other evidence-based approaches depending on your needs and goals.

Some sessions may involve exploring past experiences or understanding what triggers certain reactions. Others may focus on building coping skills, improving communication, strengthening boundaries, or learning how to manage difficult emotions. We'll work together to figure out what makes the most sense for you, while making room for your personality, experiences, and cultural background.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin understanding what brings you to therapy. I'll ask questions about what you've been experiencing, how things have been affecting your daily life, and what you're hoping to gain from our time together.

You don't need to have everything figured out or know exactly how to explain what you're feeling. Some people come in knowing precisely what they want to work on, while others need time to sort through their thoughts. Both are perfectly okay.

I'll also take time to explain how I work, answer any questions you may have, and discuss what our work together might look like moving forward. My goal is for you to leave with a better understanding of where we're starting, what we'd like to focus on, and a sense of whether my approach feels like a good fit for you.

You won't be expected to share everything at once. We can begin with what's most important to you and build from there.