Zachary Hillyard

You don’t need to have everything figured out before your first session; if you did, you probably wouldn't be looking at a therapist's profile right now. Whether you are feeling stuck in painful patterns, overwhelmed by anxiety, or just trying to navigate a major life transition, therapy offers a space to slow down, figure out what’s actually going on, and build a practical path forward.

My work is deeply collaborative and trauma-informed. I don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach because human beings aren't built in a factory. Together, we’ll look at the patterns keeping you stuck, process the heavy stuff at your own pace, and uncover the strengths you already have (even if they feel a bit buried right now).

My background includes six years in a children’s hospital supporting kids and teens through behavioral health and substance use challenges. I’ve also provided mental health services to individuals experiencing homelessness and adults navigating the criminal justice system. These environments taught me that resilience shows up in unexpected ways, and that a safe, non-judgmental environment is non-negotiable.

I particularly enjoy working with adults and adolescents dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and life transitions. We’ll start exactly where you are today, no prerequisites required.

My approach is grounded in humanistic, trauma-informed care, heavily integrated with evidence-based strategies. Translation: I treat you like a real human being while giving you actual, practical tools to use outside the session.

Depending on your goals, our work together might focus on:

• Unpacking patterns: Figuring out the "why" behind automatic thoughts and emotional loops.
• Processing trauma: Safely working through difficult experiences at a pace you control.
• Building resilience: Developing healthier, sustainable coping strategies.
• Practical solutions: Moving past insight and into meaningful, real-world changes.

I view therapy as a partnership. You are the expert on your life; I’m here to provide the framework, the tools, and a bit of practical perspective to help you get where you want to go

The first session is entirely about lowering the stakes. We aren't going to solve everything in 50 minutes, and you don't need to give me a flawless chronological history of your life.

Instead, we’ll focus on the basics:

• What brings you in and what’s been the heaviest lift lately.
• What you actually want to get out of therapy (and what you don't want).
• Answering any questions you have about how this whole process works.

My main priority is to ensure you feel heard, comfortable, and safe. By the end of our first conversation, we’ll have the beginnings of a clear direction forward, and you’ll have a good sense of whether my style feels like the right fit for you.