Wesley Hirst, LPC

Wesley Hirst is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 25 years of clinical experience helping adults navigate stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, addictions, and a wide range of life transitions. He combines practical, evidence-informed approaches with a collaborative, respectful stance so clients feel heard and understood as they work toward meaningful change.

Wesley draws on several established therapeutic methods, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, and the Gottman Method, tailoring interventions to each person’s goals and circumstances. He places emphasis on building trust, cultivating coping skills, and supporting improvements in areas such as sleep, eating, parenting, intimacy, self-esteem, anger management, and attention-related challenges including ADHD and panic disorder.

Throughout his practice in Missouri, Wesley focuses on practical strategies and thoughtful exploration of values and purpose. He works with clients facing addictions, family and relationship strains, and the emotional fallout of trauma, always aiming to foster resilience and clearer direction. Therapy with Wesley is a partnership in which the client’s priorities guide the pace and focus of treatment.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Wesley Hirst

Wesley commonly integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into his work. ACT focuses on clarifying personal values and learning practical ways to accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that support a meaningful life - it is often helpful for anxiety, stress, and life transitions. CBT targets unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and teaches concrete skills to reduce symptoms of depression, panic, and worry.

He also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) strategies for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and relationship skills when those areas are a focus. Wesley approaches treatment collaboratively - he partners with each client to identify goals, tests which methods feel most helpful, and adapts the plan based on progress and personal preference.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility for those balancing work, family, or mobility limitations. Wesley provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging so clients can choose the format that fits their schedule and communication style. These options make it easier to maintain consistency in treatment and to apply learned skills between sessions while working with a licensed professional.