Dr. Michael Hayes, LPC

Dr. Michael Hayes is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Tennessee with 21 years of clinical experience. He focuses on helping people navigate stress and anxiety, relationship and family conflicts, grief and loss, and other life changes, bringing steady experience to each therapeutic relationship.

As a trained Gottman therapist, he integrates principles from that model to support couples work while also drawing on client-centered and cognitive behavioral approaches to tailor care to each person's needs. He emphasizes an open, nonjudgmental environment where thoughts and feelings can be explored honestly and safely.

Dr. Hayes works collaboratively with clients to identify practical coping strategies, improve communication, and address issues such as body image concerns, caregiver stress, control issues, and workplace challenges. He also supports people coping with divorce or separation, guilt and shame, isolation or loneliness, and questions about life purpose.

Recognizing that taking the first step toward a more fulfilling life requires courage, Dr. Hayes offers steady support and ongoing professional development to bring current methods and thoughtful guidance to the healing process.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Dr. Michael Hayes blends approaches to meet each person's needs. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on creating a supportive, empathetic space where the client's own goals and values guide the work; it is especially helpful for building self-understanding and confidence. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety and to improve day-to-day coping. The Gottman Method offers practical tools and exercises for couples to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen emotional connection.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Dr. Hayes works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods best suit their needs, goals, and preferences. He adjusts techniques over time so therapy remains aligned with progress and changing priorities.

Online therapy with Dr. Hayes offers flexibility and accessibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit counseling into busy lives, maintain continuity during transitions, and access licensed professionals from different locations while working toward meaningful change.