I’m a Licensed Independent Social Worker who truly believes in the power of connection and understanding. I’m here to walk alongside you as you navigate life’s challenges—whether it's managing anxiety, healing from trauma, or overcoming struggles with addiction or relationships. My approach is grounded in compassion, and I’m passionate about helping you tap into your inner strength to make meaningful, lasting changes. Together, we’ll create a space where you feel supported, heard, and empowered to move forward at your own pace.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, you can expect a warm, nonjudgmental space where we’ll begin by getting to know each other. I’ll ask about what brings you in, your goals for therapy, and any challenges you’re currently facing. We’ll discuss your history, as well as any immediate concerns, so I can understand the full picture of where you’re at. Together, we’ll start exploring potential ways to move forward, and I’ll introduce some initial strategies to help you feel supported. This session is about building trust and laying the foundation for our work together. My goal is to make sure you feel heard, respected, and empowered in the process.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
One of my greatest strengths as a provider is my ability to truly listen and create a space where clients feel safe and understood. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship, built on trust and empathy, is the foundation for meaningful change. I take a holistic approach, combining evidence-based techniques with a focus on your strengths and personal experiences. My goal is to meet you where you are and help you feel empowered to make lasting changes at your own pace. Having worked with individuals facing challenges like anxiety, addiction, trauma, and serious mental illness, I understand that everyone’s journey is unique. I’m passionate about helping clients not only navigate difficult emotions and situations but also rediscover their resilience and strengths. Whether it’s helping you develop practical coping strategies, shift negative thought patterns, or simply providing support during a tough time, I’m here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I’m best positioned to support individuals who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready to make meaningful changes but aren’t sure where to start. I work well with adults and adolescents navigating anxiety, trauma, addiction, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I also have experience supporting clients with serious mental illness and those in recovery. My ideal clients are open to exploring their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a supportive, goal-oriented space—whether they’re just beginning their healing journey or continuing the work of personal growth.
About Kaylee Jo Hively
Kaylee Jo Hively offers therapy covered by Buckeye Health Plan, Buckeye Health Plan (Managed Medicaid), CareSource, Medicaid - Buckeye Health Plan and UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicaid in Ohio.
Identifies as
Specializes in
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
Fully bookedMy treatment methods
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT) is a core approach I integrate into my practice, especially when working with clients who are feeling stuck or overwhelmed by challenges. I appreciate how it shifts the focus from what’s going wrong to what’s going right and how we can build on those strengths to create meaningful change. In my experience, SFT empowers clients by helping them identify their own internal resources, past successes, and achievable goals. Rather than spending excessive time digging into the problem, we work collaboratively to envision a preferred future and take small, practical steps to move toward it. It’s forward-thinking, hope-driven, and often a refreshing approach for clients who have spent a lot of time in traditional problem-focused therapy. In practice, I use SFT to: Help clients define clear and realistic goals Explore times when the problem was less intense or absent (called "exceptions") Identify strengths and skills they already possess Use scaling questions to track progress and motivation Reinforce even the smallest wins to build momentum I often blend SFT with other modalities depending on the client’s needs, but at its core, it provides a positive and empowering framework that helps clients feel capable and motivated to move forward.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a foundational approach in my therapeutic work, especially when helping clients navigate ambivalence and build internal motivation for change. I value MI for its respectful, client-centered stance—it meets people exactly where they are without judgment and empowers them to explore their own reasons for change. In my practice, MI is particularly effective with clients struggling with substance use, behavioral changes, or those feeling stuck in cycles of self-doubt or indecision. The spirit of MI—collaboration, evocation, and autonomy—is woven into how I build rapport, set the tone for sessions, and guide the change process. I use MI to: Foster a non-confrontational and supportive space for open dialogue Explore and resolve ambivalence by reflecting discrepancies between values and behaviors Reinforce self-efficacy and highlight client strengths Use open-ended questions, affirmations, reflective listening, and summaries (OARS) to guide conversations Elicit "change talk" that helps clients articulate their own desire, ability, reason, and need for change Rather than directing or persuading, I act as a curious guide—walking alongside the client, helping them uncover their own motivation and confidence to take the next step. MI blends seamlessly with other approaches I use, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solution-Focused Therapy, making it a versatile and powerful tool in my clinical toolbox.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the primary modalities I use in my clinical work, and it serves as a strong foundation for helping clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It’s an evidence-based approach that I find incredibly effective for addressing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma responses, and negative self-talk patterns. In my practice, I use CBT to help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns and challenge them with more balanced, realistic alternatives. I often introduce practical tools and structured exercises—like thought records, behavioral experiments, and cognitive restructuring—that empower clients to take an active role in their healing process. Some ways I apply CBT in sessions include: Helping clients recognize cognitive distortions and shift toward healthier thinking Teaching coping strategies and skills to manage overwhelming emotions or triggers Using behavioral activation techniques to increase engagement with meaningful activities Encouraging self-monitoring and journaling to build insight and reinforce change Supporting clients in setting specific, achievable goals and tracking their progress over time CBT is also highly adaptable, which allows me to tailor interventions to each client’s learning style and pace. Whether I’m working with individuals, families, or groups, I appreciate how CBT provides a structured yet flexible path for clients to gain insight and build long-term emotional resilience.
Strength-Based
The Strengths-Based approach is at the heart of my clinical philosophy. I believe every client comes into the therapeutic space with inherent strengths, resilience, and past successes—even when they may not be able to see them in the moment. This approach shifts the focus from "what’s wrong" to "what’s strong," empowering clients to build upon their existing capabilities to navigate life’s challenges. In my practice, I consistently integrate strengths-based principles by: Actively identifying and affirming client strengths, even in moments of struggle Highlighting past successes as evidence of a client’s ability to overcome adversity Collaboratively setting goals that align with a client’s values and talents Encouraging self-reflection that promotes confidence and a sense of agency Reinforcing a narrative of growth, adaptability, and hope This method is especially powerful when working with individuals who have experienced trauma, chronic stress, or systems of oppression. It creates a validating and empowering environment where clients can see themselves as the authors of their own change. While I often combine Strengths-Based Therapy with other modalities such as CBT, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, its core message—focusing on client potential rather than pathology—remains central to my work. It not only fosters resilience but also deepens the therapeutic alliance through trust, respect, and genuine collaboration.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is an essential component of my therapeutic approach, and I view it as a powerful tool for empowering clients with knowledge, insight, and practical skills. I believe that when clients understand why they’re experiencing something—and how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are interconnected—they’re better equipped to make meaningful changes in their lives. In my practice, I integrate psychoeducation across all stages of therapy. Whether I’m working with individuals, couples, families, or groups, I tailor the information to meet each client’s developmental level, learning style, and presenting concerns. I aim to demystify mental health concepts and give clients a clearer understanding of what they’re going through. Examples of how I use psychoeducation include: Teaching clients about symptoms and treatment options for anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use Helping families understand the cycle of addiction, codependency, or communication breakdowns Providing visuals, handouts, or worksheets that clients can reference outside of session Explaining the brain’s stress response or nervous system regulation to support trauma recovery Empowering clients with coping strategies, boundary-setting skills, and relapse prevention plans Psychoeducation not only reduces stigma and confusion—it enhances engagement, builds confidence, and reinforces progress. Clients often express how validating and reassuring it is to finally have language for their experiences. It becomes the bridge between understanding and action.