Building Self-Worth, Resilience, and Meaningful Change
Compassionate, research-based therapy in a safe and supportive space—helping you move through distress and toward greater clarity, strength, and well-being.
Hi! I’m glad you’re here…
I have always been deeply interested in understanding people—their stories, relationships, emotions, and the experiences that shape how they see themselves and the world around them. That curiosity, along with a genuine appreciation for the complexity of the human experience, ultimately led me to the field of counseling.
Life can bring curveballs and unexpected changes, confusing emotions, painful relationships, grief, trauma, and seasons when we no longer feel like ourselves. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, self-worth concerns, relationship distress, grief, life transitions, and other complex challenges.
My hope is that you feel safe, seen, and understood—not only in what you are experiencing now, but within the deeper context of who you are and how you arrived here. My role is to help you explore your experiences with curiosity, compassion, and without judgment, while offering the professional insight needed to understand patterns, strengthen your sense of self, and create meaningful change.
People are often more resilient than they realize. Even when life feels overwhelming or deeply stuck, there are strengths within us that can support healing and movement forward. Sometimes we need a thoughtful, supportive relationship in which we can slow down, understand ourselves more fully, and begin finding a way through.
Meet Hayley
Hayley brings more than 22 years of experience mentoring and educating people across the country in the arts and education, with a longstanding focus on identity and self-worth. This work ultimately shaped her path into mental health counseling, where she now helps individuals navigate life’s challenges and develop a stronger, more grounded sense of self.
Education:
PhD student in Psychological Studies & Counseling Dual Concentration: Grief & Crisis, Psychodynamics Regent University
Master of Arts- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Concordia University Irvine- Townsend Institute
Master of Arts- Education & Instructional Leadership Pepperdine University
Bachelor of Arts- Liberal Arts & Theatre Pepperdine University
PLPC in Missouri, I practice under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor, allowing for ongoing collaboration and support in your care. LPC # 2014041549, Sara McGinnis
“You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept… once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.”
-Margery Williams
My Counseling Approach
Neurobiology
My work is grounded in a neurobiological understanding of human experience, integrating current research and evidence to better understand how the brain, body, and nervous system are impacted by life stress, relationships, and environment. I consider biological, psychological, social, and spiritual factors together to form a more complete picture of each person’s experience, rather than viewing concerns in isolation. This approach allows for care that is both scientifically informed and deeply attuned to the complexity of being human.
Framework
My guiding framework is psychodynamic in nature, which means I pay attention to how past experiences and relationships can quietly shape how we think, feel, and respond in the present. In therapy, this doesn’t mean focusing on everything that has ever happened, but rather gently noticing patterns and themes that may be influencing current challenges. The goal is to build self-understanding and awareness in a supportive way, so that change feels meaningful, grounded, and possible over time.
Techniques
In addition to these guiding frameworks, I draw from a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to each person’s unique needs, goals, and symptoms. These may include person-centered therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, Gottman-informed approaches for couples, family systems work, and, when desired, faith-based integration. Rather than using a one-size-fits-all model, I thoughtfully select and combine techniques to support emotional regulation, insight, relationship patterns, and meaningful, sustainable change.
Counseling Services
Individual Counseling Teens 13+ Adults Older Adults LGBTQ+
Couples Counseling Premarital Counseling Relational Distress
Family Counseling Parent/Child Parent/Adult Child Siblings
Who
Treatment
Anxiety Depression Trauma Self-Worth Grief, Loss, Bereavement Relational Distress Life Transitions Addictions Disorders Terminal Diagnosis Multicultural Counseling Career Counseling Therapists seeking Therapy Speaking & Psychoeducation Christian Counseling
Additional Focus
Although I work with a wide range of presenting concerns, I have a particular focus on supporting individuals struggling with self-worth. This includes high-performing artists, athletes, executives, and leaders who often carry significant external responsibility while seeking a stronger internal sense of balance, identity, and self-value. My work with these clients centers on helping them reconnect with themselves beyond achievement, performance, or role…fostering greater self-understanding, resilience, and a more sustainable sense of worth.
Book an Appointment.
I look forward to meeting you. I’d be honored to hear your story.
Hayley Cooper, PLPC 6114- M0-9, Parkville, MO 64152
Fee-Based Counseling: $125 Couples Counseling: $150 *Some sliding-scale spots available 50min session
*Under the supervision of LPC #2014041549, Sara McGinnis
Parkville Living Center 819 Main St, Parkville, MO 64152
Community Mental Health Access *Limited spots on Wednesdays 50min session
Partnering with Parkville Living Center, I am committed to increasing access to mental health care and reducing barriers to treatment in the community.
On Wednesdays, I provide a limited number of no-cost counseling appointments through the Parkville Living Center for individuals who are experiencing financial, insurance, transportation, or other barriers to accessing mental health care. These appointments are intended to expand access to counseling for members of our community who might otherwise be unable to receive services. Availability is limited, and priority is given to those with the greatest barriers to care.
My work has allowed me to serve clients from over ten countries, shaping a culturally responsive and globally informed approach to care. I value working with diverse populations and strive to create a space that is both inclusive, clinically grounded, and accessible to all.
*Under the supervision of LPC #2014041549, Sara McGinnis
Frequently Asked Questions
-
You can expect a confidential, supportive space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment. Sessions typically last about 50 minutes and move at a pace that feels comfortable for you.
In the beginning, I like to focus on getting to know you, your story, what’s bringing you in, and what you’re hoping to gain from counseling. From there, sessions often involve open conversation, reflection, and gentle guidance to help you better understand patterns, process emotions, and navigate challenges.
Depending on your needs, I may explore past experiences, current stressors, relationships, or personal goals. At times, I may offer insights, tools, or strategies, but much of the work is collaborative and centered on your unique experiences.
Counseling is not about being “fixed,” but about gaining clarity, building resilience, and moving toward greater emotional health and wholeness.
-
Your first session is a space to begin getting to know one another and to explore what has brought you to counseling. We’ll review confidentiality and the structure of sessions, then talk through your current concerns, background, and what you’re hoping to gain from the process. You don’t need to have everything figured out—we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable and begin building a clear, supportive direction together.
-
Many people desire the option for virtual/online therapy, and I get it! Research shows that it can be as effective as in-person care. Advantages are: It provides easier access for those with busy schedules, limited mobility, or living in remote areas, allowing sessions from the comfort of home. It reduces time and travel costs while supporting more consistent care with fewer disruptions. It also allows for greater flexibility in scheduling, increased access to specialists, and the option for more frequent sessions, which can support meaningful progress, all within a private and comfortable setting.
-
Confidentiality is a foundational part of therapy, allowing for trust and openness when discussing sensitive topics. You will receive an informed consent document outlining your rights, and, within legal limits, everything shared in session is kept strictly confidential and not disclosed without your written permission.
There are a few exceptions required by law: if there is concern for child, elder, or dependent adult abuse, or if there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others. In these cases, therapists are obligated to report to the appropriate authorities to ensure safety.
-
When working with teens, parents/guardians are involved in the session, typically at the start and end of each session. This allows for communication of goals/treatment plan and practice of new skills learned in session.
-
Great question and important distinction! A psychiatrist is a registered doctor who can diagnose mental illness and prescribe medication. Psychotherapists will offer talk therapy to their clients, and while they will diagnose mental illness for purposes of treatment, they cannot prescribe medication to their clients.
-
We will determine this together based on your goals and needs. Short-term approaches, such as solution-focused or cognitive behavioral therapy, often involve 6–8 sessions to build skills and address current concerns. For deeper emotional or relational work, a longer-term approach may be recommended to support meaningful and lasting change.
-
Currently, I only offer self-pay, but you may be able to receive reimbursement for my services depending on your out-of-network provider benefits. Upon payment after each session, I can provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement.
A superbill is a detailed, itemized invoice provided by healthcare professionals, often those who are out-of-network, that enables you to seek reimbursement from your insurance company. It lists services, diagnostic codes, and provider information required for insurers to process claims.
Calling your insurance provider before starting counseling is always a good idea. Below are questions you may consider asking:
*Do I have mental/behavioral health insurance benefits?
*What are my out-of-network provider benefits for mental/behavioral services?
*What is my deductible and has it been met?
*How many sessions per year does my health insurance cover?
*What is the coverage amount per therapy session?
*Is approval or pre-authorization required?
-
All forms and records are kept online in a secure EHR (electronic health record) system which gives you access to billing, payment records, and scheduling. Telehealth sessions are also provided through the EHR.
If, after your free 15- minute phone consultation, you decide that I may be a good fit for you or your teen, I will send you an email with a link to my online client portal, in which you can access and sign my practice forms and consents electronically prior to our first visit. Once all paperwork is complete, we will schedule your first appointment.
-
After your complimentary 15-minute consultation, if you feel we’re a good fit, you’ll receive an email with a link to my secure client portal. There, you can complete and sign all intake forms electronically before your first session.
Contact Me
Send me a note. I’d love to hear from you.
