Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 40 ratings

Hayley O'Connor

LMFT, 5 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Solution oriented
Warm
Authentic
Virtual
Next available on

About me

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with five years of experience, I am dedicated to helping individuals of all ages achieve their personal goals and improve their well-being. My practice includes working with couples, families, and individuals, addressing a wide range of issues. I believe in providing compassionate and tailored support to guide you through life's challenges, fostering resilience and empowering you to build a more fulfilling and meaningful future. NOTE: At this time, I am only accepting clients for brief therapy (short-term work focused on specific goals or concerns). This allows us to make meaningful progress together while keeping in mind that I will be taking leave starting in January/February 2025 and will be out for a few months. Please also note that I have limited in-person availability and may not be able to guarantee weekly in-person appointments. I encourage you to remain open to a combination of in-person and virtual sessions.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

In our first counseling session, I will introduce myself and take the time to get to know you better, understanding your background and concerns. My aim is to create a welcoming and comfortable environment where you feel secure to share openly. Together, we will set goals and collaborate in future sessions to help you achieve them.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

As a counselor, my strengths lie in my empathetic nature, strong listening skills, and ability to create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients. I excel in building rapport and trust, allowing clients to feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I work best with clients who are motivated to make positive changes, open to exploring new perspectives, and willing to put in effort outside of sessions. My approach is supportive but also gently challenging, helping you stretch and grow in meaningful ways. Whether you’re an individual navigating anxiety, grief, infertility, or low self-esteem, or a couple/family wanting to improve communication and strengthen relationships, I aim to provide practical tools and compassionate support.

Specialties

Top specialties

AnxietyDepression

Other specialties

Fertility & Reproduction IssuesPost PartumSelf Esteem

I identify as

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

My approach to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with clients involves helping them understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I work collaboratively to identify negative or unhelpful thought patterns and challenge them, replacing them with more positive and constructive ones. This process includes setting specific, measurable goals and using practical strategies to develop coping skills and resilience. By focusing on present issues and working towards concrete solutions, I empower clients to take an active role in their mental health and achieve lasting change.

Interpersonal

My approach to interpersonal therapy (IPT) with clients focuses on enhancing their interpersonal functioning and improving their relationships. I work collaboratively with clients to identify and address the interpersonal issues that contribute to their emotional distress. By exploring patterns in their interactions, communication styles, and relational dynamics, we work together to develop healthier ways of relating to others. My goal is to empower clients to build stronger, more supportive connections, and to navigate social challenges with increased confidence and resilience.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

In my approach to Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) with clients, I emphasize identifying and building upon their strengths and resources. I collaborate with clients to set clear, achievable goals and focus on solutions rather than problems. Through targeted questioning, such as the miracle question and scaling questions, I help clients envision their preferred future and recognize past successes. This positive and goal-oriented approach empowers clients to create meaningful change in their lives.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

My approach to mindfulness therapy with clients involves helping them cultivate present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance of their thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. I integrate mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing, guided imagery, and body scans, into our sessions to develop their ability to stay grounded and manage stress. By fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation, clients can better understand their reactions and make conscious choices that align with their goals and values.

Person-centered (Rogerian)

I utilize Person-Centered Therapy to create a supportive and empathetic environment where clients feel understood and valued. This approach allows clients to explore their thoughts and feelings at their own pace, fostering personal growth and self-discovery. By prioritizing the client's perspective and promoting self-acceptance, I help individuals navigate their challenges and work towards their goals.

Location

Offers in-person in 2837 1st Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713Virtual

Licensed in

Rated 5.0 stars out of 5, 40 ratings

3 ratings with written reviews

July 16, 2025

I love that Hayley always gives me tools to help with challenges I'm working through. It helps me feel like I can overcome certain situations and gives me so much hope!

Verified client, age 25-34

Review shared after session 12 with Hayley

May 16, 2025

My marriage was a mess and she has been helping me to change for the better.

Verified client, age 45-54

Review shared after session 5 with Hayley

April 9, 2025

It went very well.

Verified client, age 45-54

Review shared after session 1 with Hayley