Dr. Michael Hayes, LPC

Dr. Michael Hayes helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, relationship strains, or big life changes. He writes plainly and listens carefully so people can say what matters most. He aims to make early sessions simple and direct so clients know what to expect.

He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, with 21 years of experience working in Tennessee. His work often focuses on grief and loss, family conflict, and the practical strain of caregiving. He also supports people dealing with body image concerns, workplace stress, feelings of isolation, and issues around guilt or forgiveness.

Dr. Hayes uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people notice how thoughts affect feelings and behavior. He also practices client-centered therapy, which emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental space for people to talk through their priorities. In addition, he draws on the Gottman Method when relationship communication and problem-solving are central concerns.

Sessions aim to identify small, manageable steps that fit day-to-day life. He works with clients to build skills for coping, improving communication, and handling transitions. Over time, clients often develop clearer priorities and more reliable routines.

People who prefer online formats can meet by video, phone, chat, or text. Dr. Hayes also welcomes international clients and will help set up a schedule that fits each person’s availability.

Therapeutic approaches for online work

Dr. Hayes uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people spot unhelpful thoughts and test new ways of thinking and acting that reduce stress and anxiety. Client-centered therapy provides a calm, accepting setting where a person’s own goals guide each session and conversations are paced to their needs. He also uses elements of the Gottman Method when relationship communication and problem-solving are priorities, focusing on practical skills for clearer dialogue and repair.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. He will listen to your concerns, discuss options, and tailor methods to your goals. That collaborative process helps clarify whether more skills-based or more conversational work fits best for you.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to make therapy easier to fit into life. Video is useful when face-to-face interaction matters, phone works well when bandwidth is limited, chat can be a quick check-in, and messaging lets people reflect between sessions. These options make scheduling flexible and help keep care consistent across time zones and busy routines.