- Addictions help
- Relationship concerns
- Strengths focused
About Kelly
Kelly Hayes is a Licensed Master Social Worker with 30 years of experience. He supports people facing addiction, relationship strain, anger, low self-esteem, and related concerns. He writes plainly and aims to make the first steps toward change straightforward for adults seeking help.
Kelly's background includes roles as a child and family counselor, special education social worker, behavioral intervention specialist, and life coach. Those roles gave him practical experience with early childhood trauma and its long-term effects on relationships, attachment, anxiety, depression, and substance use. He also has experience with OCD, ADHD, autism spectrum differences, developmental delays, learning-related behavioral challenges, school phobia, and severe aggression.
In sessions he emphasizes a strength-based approach. He focuses on building positive working relationships through direct, open communication and active listening. The work is collaborative and grounded in real-world strategies rather than jargon.
Clients and therapists together develop an individualized plan that matches the client's goals and circumstances. That plan can include behavioral strategies, skill-building, and clear steps to manage triggers and improve day-to-day functioning.
Kelly practices in Michigan and uses his long experience to tailor approaches to each person's needs. He aims to create an atmosphere where people feel encouraged to share thoughts and try concrete new behaviors.
Approaches and how online work can fit your life
Kelly uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques drawn from practical behavioral approaches. Behavioral strategies focus on identifying specific actions and routines that create problems and then building small, repeatable steps to change them. This helps with anger management, substance use patterns, and day-to-day habits.He also applies approaches that emphasize strengths and relationship repair. These methods look at what a person already does well and expand those skills to improve communication and trust over time. That kind of work can help with relationship strain and attachment-related concerns.
Choosing the right approach is a shared process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels practical for their life. Together they will try methods, track what helps, and adjust the plan when needed to find the best fit.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to schedule appointments around work or family demands, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when helpful. It can also make it possible to maintain continuity of care when schedules change, while keeping the focus on practical skills and progress rather than setting.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Kelly commonly address?
He works with people facing addictions, relationship challenges, anger, and low self-esteem, and addresses issues linked to early childhood trauma and substance use.
What is Kelly's general therapy style?
He uses a strength-based, direct approach with active listening and clear communication to help people practice new skills and strategies.
How much clinical experience does he bring?
He has 30 years of experience in roles such as child and family counselor, special education social worker, behavioral intervention specialist, and life coach.
What credential does Kelly hold and where does he practice?
He is a Licensed Master Social Worker, LMSW, licensed in Michigan and practices there.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people from other countries work with him?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work together?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.