Hello! My name is Hayley Alkhafaji, and I am so glad that you are here! I am a psychotherapist/licensed clinical social worker (LMSW-C, LCSW). I provide remote/telehealth mental health therapy services to individuals residing in Michigan and North Dakota. I primarily work with the youth, adolescent, and young adult population. I have several years of experience administering mental health services in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I am passionate about mental health, and empowering and supporting others. I believe in using a strength based and client centered approach, always focusing on the needs of my clients. I have experience providing mental health services to individuals living with various mental health diagnoses, dual diagnoses, and co-occurring disorders. I have worked with clients who are living with PTSD, trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and disorders related to impulse control, anger, and defiance, such as oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. Additionally, I have worked with clients who are living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, and symptoms congruent with mood disorders, problematic sexual behaviors, and behavioral concerns. I have received additional training in the areas of anger management, anxiety, grief and loss, psychosis, trauma work, trauma informed care, play therapy, mindfulness meditation, and therapy work specific to the youth and adolescent population. I have a strong passion working with the youth, adolescent, and young adult population. This is also where most of my experience lies! I have many years of experience working with this age group, and have provided services and care in inpatient, outpatient, and school based settings. I have received additional education, formal supervision, and have completed additional trainings specific to administering mental health therapy services to the youth and adolescent population. I absolutely love what I do, and it would be an honor to be a part of your therapeutic journey.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
During our time together, we will always move at a pace that feels most comfortable for you. I am a firm believer that it is always best to meet clients where they are at, wherever that may be! In a first session, I focus on learning more about you, your hopes and goals for therapy services, and how I can best serve you and your needs. Going to therapy can be scary, nerve racking, exciting, and bring up many different feelings. I want you to know that you are not alone, and that as your therapist, we will always work together as a team. The first session (and all sessions!) will be designed in a way that best meets your needs, goals, and comfort level.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
As your therapist, I am someone who will be there to support you, empower you, and be by your side every step of your therapeutic journey. Think of me as your professional cheerleader! I treat my clients with the utmost respect, and work to ensure a safe, comfortable, and nonjudgmental environment where my clients can flourish and thrive. I am a kind, caring, empathetic individual, and am passionate about helping my clients live a life that they love. I am proud of you for taking this step, and I look forward to meeting you.
About Hayley Alkhafaji
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Fully bookedMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a very commonly used treatment modality used to treat several different mental health disorders including but not limited to anxiety and depression. This type of approach helps my clients explore the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Understanding this relationship can have a significant impact on our lives, and being aware of this relationship, can allow us to live our best life. CBT helps individuals explore their thought patterns, cognitive distortions, and their core beliefs that developed early in their childhood. Sometimes these core beliefs or certain thoughts we hold, may not be serving us in a positive manner. CBT is a great technique to help bring more positivity into our minds and our lives. CBT can help you explore what thought patterns are serving you, and what thought patterns may actually have a negative impact on your mental health.
Trauma-Focused CBT
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) has been a favorite treatment modality of mine to administer. This approach works well for clients who have experienced and survived traumatic experiences. TF-CBT was designed for youth, adolescents, and their families. Similar concepts, ideas, techniques, and interventions associated with this intervention, can be used in a way to appropriately treat the adult population as well. This approach helps give my clients the power over their lives that they deserve. Trauma can take so much away from us, and can turn our world upside down. This approach allows my clients to tell their story, and to create their very own trauma narrative with a supportive therapist by their side. Before a trauma narrative begins, I help my clients establish tools and skills to help them manage distress and difficult feelings that may come up for them during this healing journey. The hope of this treatment modality, is to take power away from the trauma, and give that power back to my client. This approach can also help clients view their trauma, and their thoughts and ideas surrounding the trauma, in a light that is more beneficial to them. Trauma Focused CBT can also be used to treat grief and loss related concerns for the youth and adolescent population. This type of approach for Grief and Loss is something that I have experience with. This approach combines a trauma lens with the world of grief and loss. This approach can help someone make sense of a loss that they have had to survive. This approach aims to help those suffering from grief and loss to live a successful life, and work to find peace with what they have lost. Sometimes when we lose someone, we are quick to blame ourselves and our flooded with "should haves", and "could haves". This approach can help individuals understand that they are often not to blame, and that what happened to them was not their fault. This approach helps individuals not only find peace with the past, but also to hold onto the positive moments associated with the loss.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is a commonly used treatment modality, used to treat a number of different mental health diagnoses. Initially, this approach was created to treat symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder, however it can be used to treat a number of other symptoms and diagnoses as well. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is an approach that focuses on the following four components: mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. This approach can be wonderful for individuals who may experience intense emotions, moods, impulsivity, and other difficult symptoms. In my experience with DBT, my clients have had the opportunity to learn more about skills and tools that allow them to better navigate overwhelming feelings, moods, and crises. Additionally, DBT can be a wonderful technique for those who have difficulty in their interpersonal relationships, and for those who are wanting more healthy and positive relationships in their life.
Strength-Based
A Strengths-Based therapy approach is one that as a therapist, I always ensure to employ. A Strengths-Based Therapy approach focuses on a client and individual's strengths. It is easy for us to focus on the negatives, our short comings, our mistakes, and our failures. A Strengths-Based Therapy approach aims to help individuals become more aware of their successes, strengths, and positive qualities. This approach can have a positive impact on the mental health of others, and can improve symptoms associated with depression, low self esteem, and more. As a therapist, I always am very intentional about helping my clients become aware of what they are doing well, and what their strengths are in any given situation. Chances are, you have so many strengths that you may not even realize you have! It is my job to help you bring those strengths to light.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Mindfulness is a state of being present, open, and accepting to whatever may surface without any judgement. Mindfulness-Based Therapy is a type of approach that works to help clients live in the "here and now". This type of approach helps clients bring awareness into their everyday lives, and bring awareness to their mind, body, thoughts, feelings, etc. Mindfulness based therapy often incorporates breathing exercises and meditation. It also works to help clients gain insight into their sensations; learning to observe, label what they notice, and approach themselves with compassion, kindness, and acceptance.