- Person-centered approach
- CBT tools
- Gottman-informed work
About Michael
Dr. Michael Hayes helps people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, and big life changes. He practices in Tennessee and brings 21 years of experience to conversations about grief, family conflict, and workplace challenges. He aims to make first steps feel manageable and less overwhelming for someone worried about reaching out.
He uses a straightforward, person-focused style that centers the client's experience. That means listening first, then working together to try practical ways to reduce anxiety or improve communication. Sessions often include problem-solving, looking at thought patterns, and practicing new ways to talk with others.
His work includes tools from cognitive behavioral approaches that look at thoughts and actions, plus methods drawn from the Gottman approach for relationship concerns. He also relies on client-centered principles that let the person set the pace and priorities. This mix is meant to address both day-to-day stress and longer-term relationship patterns.
Dr. Hayes has particular interest in caregiver stress, body image, feelings of isolation, guilt and shame, and questions about life purpose. He also supports people navigating divorce, control issues, forgiveness, and communication breakdowns at work or home.
People who choose to work with him can expect practical discussion, focused skill-building, and a respectful, nonjudgmental tone. He accepts international clients and conducts sessions in English. To begin, prospective clients follow the site's start process and schedule based on the therapist's availability.
How his approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to what matters most to each person, letting them set goals and the session pace. It works well for people who need a calm, steady space to talk through stress and life decisions.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts and behaviors interact and uses practical exercises to reduce anxiety and change unhelpful patterns. It is often chosen for stress, worry, and coping with work demands.
The Gottman Method offers structured tools for improving communication and reducing conflict in close relationships, with clear exercises to practice outside sessions.
Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. The therapist will work collaboratively to identify which methods fit a person's goals and preferences, and can adapt over time if needs change.
Session options were not specified in the original profile, so please confirm available online formats before booking. Online work can make scheduling simpler, help fit sessions into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. Licensed professionals can use a range of ways to meet that help therapy fit into everyday life without requiring major changes to a routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
21+ years
Credentials
Tennessee
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he help with?
He helps people with stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, grief, and coping with life changes. He also addresses workplace problems, caregiver stress, body image, and loneliness.
What is his general therapeutic style?
He uses a person-centered style that starts with listening and follows the client's priorities. Practical strategies and communication skills are added when helpful.
How much experience does he have?
He has 21 years of professional experience working with clients on a range of emotional and relationship concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
He is an LPC - Licensed Professional Counselor - practicing in Tennessee.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are accepted.
What session formats are offered?
The original profile does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are costs and billing handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I start working with him?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.