Erica Hayes, LPCC

Erica Hayes is a licensed professional counselor (LPCC) based in Kentucky with four years of clinical experience. She graduated from the University of the Cumberlands and brings focused attention to relationship concerns, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, depression, and life transitions.

Erica integrates evidence-informed methods to tailor treatment for each person's needs. Her primary approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, and person-centered techniques. She adapts interventions to address a wide range of concerns such as attachment and abandonment issues, communication and blended family difficulties, body image and eating-related struggles, caregiver stress, commitment and control issues, and other family-of-origin dynamics.

Her availability on the platform is very limited; currently she is available only on Sunday afternoons. If Sunday appointments do not work, she can assist in scheduling with another therapist. Erica requests 24 hours notice for cancellations so that other clients may use the time. No-shows and late cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will be reported to the platform. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations - for example two missed appointments within a six month period or two missed appointments within a 60 day period - may result in referral to in-person counseling or to another the platform therapist. Because she maintains a small caseload, an inactive status caused by stopping treatment or a lapse in payment may make it difficult to resume services.

Erica recognizes that beginning therapy takes courage and she is committed to walking beside clients as a collaborative partner in their work toward meaningful change.

Evidence-Based Approaches for Online Support

Erica Hayes draws on several well-established approaches in her online practice. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and shifting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors to reduce symptoms like depression and to improve relationship patterns. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness, which can be useful for managing intense emotions and improving communication. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages clients to clarify personal values, practice acceptance of difficult internal experiences, and take committed action toward meaningful goals, which can help with avoidance and life transitions.

Finding the right approach is part of the collaborative process. Erica works with each client to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts techniques over time as progress is made.

Online sessions through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging offer flexibility for busy schedules and can make it easier to access care from home or work. These formats allow licensed professionals and therapists to provide consistent support while accommodating differing preferences for real-time conversation or messaging-based interaction.