Erica Hayes , LPCC

Erica Hayes is a licensed professional counselor (LPCC) based in Kentucky who focuses on women’s issues related to relationships, trauma, intimacy, and depression. She aims to create a respectful, sensitive space where people can talk about what matters most to them. Erica works with each person to shape therapy around their specific situation and goals.

Erica draws from several evidence-informed approaches to meet clients where they are. She commonly uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people identify unhelpful thinking patterns and try new behaviors. She also uses dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance when strong feelings overwhelm day-to-day life.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness techniques appear in sessions to help clients notice what matters to them and take small steps toward those values. Client-centered methods guide the tone of sessions, with an emphasis on listening and responding to each person’s concerns. Erica may also bring in motivational interviewing strategies when people want help building readiness for change.

With four years of professional experience, she focuses on practical tools people can use between sessions. Topics she addresses include abandonment and attachment issues, body image, communication and commitment concerns, blended family stress, eating and food-related issues, caregiver strain, and challenges tied to adoption or family of origin.

Erica encourages people who are feeling stuck or overwhelmed to take the first step. She helps clients map out small, manageable goals and supports them as they practice new skills in their daily life.

How Erica’s Approaches Work Online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice their values and take small, meaningful steps toward them while learning to tolerate uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on spotting unhelpful thinking and testing small behavior changes to improve mood and relationships. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers concrete skills for managing intense emotions and improving communication in close relationships.

Choosing the right mix of these approaches is a collaborative process. Erica will talk with clients about goals, preferences, and what feels most useful. Together they will try strategies and adjust the plan based on what actually helps in day-to-day life.

Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week. Video calls work well for face-to-face conversation and visual cues. Phone sessions need less bandwidth and can be a good short check-in. Live chat and text-based messaging let clients send updates, practice skills, or get brief support between longer sessions. These formats give flexibility for different rhythms, schedules, and communication styles while keeping therapy focused and practical.