Joshua Hayes
I grew up and currently live on a farm in Western Pennsylvania. I pride myself in being transparent and a regular person just like each one of my clients. I'm laid back and not perfect by any means. However, I am real and transparent. I love hunting, fishing, sports, and anything outdoors.
I'm going to have real conversations with you, just like I would have with any other person.
I am able to get along and work with anyone, even if we disagree or don't share the same values and/or views.
First session
Our first session is very important. I like to use this session to explain my approach and let you know what to expect. This is the first chance we have to get to know each other; I will ask that you paint me a picture of what's going on in your life. This information will help me decide what may be the best approach to help you, make the desired changes you are looking for by coming to therapy. I don't expect anyone to have full trust in me from the first session but as long as we can form a solid therapeutic relationship we can dive into the sometimes uncomfortable details that are important to get to the root of the bigger issues occurring in your life. This will set us up for success.
Strengths
I like to consider myself to be an unconventional therapist. I'm not going to put on some clinical act for you and expect you to get anything out of it. Just because I'm a therapist, doesn't mean I'm any better or smarter. However, I am good at being unbiased and objective. I'm going to have real conversations with you, just like I would have with any other person. With me, what you see is what you get. I believe that we are responsible for life satisfaction. The only person that can make your life better is you. My job is to help you help yourself. I could be the best therapist in the world, but at the end of the day, if someone is unwilling to make changes, there's nothing I can do.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are people who are ready and willing to make changes in their own lives'.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I like to utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy because it is extremely evidence-based in terms of outcomes. I like to focus on our thoughts and behaviors and how they influence each other and our overall mental health.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma looks different for everybody, depending on the traumatic event and the environmental factors that influence our reactions to triggers. I have worked with Veterans, first responders, sexual assault victims, and many other unique survivors of trauma.
Christian Counseling
I grew up in a Christian home, and continue to focus on my relationship with God. I am by no means a perfect individual and will NEVER use my faith as a way of making myself appear better than anyone. However, I will work with fellow Christians to discuss struggles with faith and addressing world/life issues with a faith-based approach. I will only utilize a faith-based approach if requested.
Couples Counseling
I have worked with hundreds of couples over years and I thoroughly enjoy working with couples. As a couples' therapist, my job is to be a third party, unbiased, moderator and explore issues objectively, while dissecting the emotion that can prevent moving forward in a relationship.
Reality Therapy
My goal, as a therapist, is to work in a world of reality. Emotions are emotions, and they're extremely important, but it's even more important to understand that emotions are not facts. Our emotions influence our perception of reality. However, when our perception of reality leads to issues, we need to challenge our emotions.
Location
Virtual sessions