Dr. Michael Hayes

Dr. Michael Hayes is a licensed professional counselor in Tennessee with 21 years of experience. He helps people who feel stuck by listening closely and working with them to set clear, manageable goals. He often supports people facing stress, anxiety, relationship strain, grief, or the challenge of big life changes.

He uses straightforward, practical conversation to uncover what matters most to each person. Sessions focus on building skills to handle strong emotions, improve communication, and make day-to-day life feel more workable. He also brings methods from the Gottman Method to conversations about relationships and communication when relevant.

People who struggle with isolation or loneliness are welcome to explore how to reconnect and reduce feeling cut off. Work can include looking at thought patterns that increase worry, small behavior changes that create more connection, and strategies for coping during hard moments.

Dr. Hayes frames therapy as a collaboration. He listens first, then helps plan steps that feel realistic for the client's life. Progress is tracked in small, practical ways so adjustments can be made when needed.

He offers care in English and accepts international clients. To begin, a short matching questionnaire is completed and sessions are scheduled based on the therapist's availability.

How therapy methods translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to each person's needs. It emphasizes understanding your thoughts and feelings and shaping sessions around what matters to you. This approach helps with stress, loneliness, and making sense of life changes.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It teaches concrete strategies to challenge unhelpful thoughts and build new habits that reduce anxiety and improve mood. CBT is often used for worry, low mood, and coping skills.

The Gottman Method brings tools for clearer communication and problem-solving in relationships. It offers practical exercises to reduce conflict and rebuild connection when relationship stress is present.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will listen to your goals and try methods that fit your needs and preferences. Together you can adjust techniques over time to see what helps most.

Session logistics should be confirmed before booking since specific formats were not listed in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions around a busy day, allow check-ins without travel, and offer options that reduce time away from work or caregiving. Ask about available formats when you schedule so sessions match your routine and technical needs.