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’m passionate about understanding people. I was drawn to the field of counseling because of my deep appreciation for the diversity of the human experience, the complexity of the human brain and emotions, and the desire to help others navigate the ups and downs of life to foster resilience and feel the best version of themselves.

Life can be messy. It brings confusing feelings, curveballs, difficult transitions, and traumatic experiences. I’ve worked with people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, self-worth, relationship distress, grief, life transitions, and more. My hope is that you feel safe, seen, and understood, not just in what you’re going through now, but in the deeper context of who you are and how you got here.  My role is to help you explore that with curiosity, care, and without judgment.

People are more resilient than they often realize. We all have strengths that help us move forward, even when things feel stuck or overwhelming. Sometimes we just need a safe space, professional insight, and a fellow sojourner to walk with us along the way.

Meet Hayley

Hayley brings over 22 years of experience mentoring and educating people across the country in the arts, education, and personal development, with a focus on identity and self-worth. This passion naturally evolved into her clinical work in mental health counseling, where she now supports individuals navigating life’s challenges and helping them develop a stronger, more grounded sense of self.

Education:

PhD student in Psychological Studies & Counseling - Grief and Trauma (ongoing) 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 Tweens 9-12 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: $100 +‍ 50min session

‍*Under the supervision of LPC #2014041549, Sara McGinnis

Parkville Living Center 819 Main St, Parkville, MO 64152

Free Counseling: $0 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. 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

Contact Me

Send me a note. I’d love to hear from you. ‍