Today we’d like to introduce you to Hailey Hughes.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hailey Hughes Therapy is owned and operated by me, Hailey Hughes. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Texas, and I also provide Somatic Experiencing coaching to those outside of Texas as well as branching out into consultation services for other therapists this year. I mainly use a person- centered, somatic and trauma-informed approach to therapy, which is basically psychology-jargon that translates to me being collaborative, experiential, body-oriented and guided by my client’s past experiences.
I started my private practice in 2021 knowing that I wanted to be a different therapist than what is currently on the market. I’m passionate about the counseling process, and I truly believe that therapy works, but it broke my heart to hear about so many people’s negative experiences with previous therapists. It hurt me even more to acknowledge that I could relate to my friends, family and past clients when they lamented about not feeling heard and not seeing growth throughout years in talk therapy.
When I graduated with my Masters, I wanted to be sure to carve my own path in the Austin mental health community. It was important to me that I build a business which reflects my values and feels aligned with the therapy I provide. Thus, Hailey Hughes Therapy was born! (Can you tell that I was so proud of building my practice that I named it after myself? lol)
I live my values in my practice by showing up as a person first. I don’t have a “therapist persona”. I’m just me, authentically (and professionally and ethically, of course). Connection and trust within the therapeutic relationship is the single most influential predictor of success towards counseling goals, so being genuine and bringing my own brand of humor and play to session has always been important for me. I’m also a very collaborative therapist, meaning that I invite resistance, feedback and activation into the therapy room. Let’s talk about what’s not working! If we don’t name it, we can’t tame it.
Finally, my discovery of somatic therapy was probably the biggest influence in the establishment of my practice. I use a combination of Somatic Experiencing (I am trained up to Advanced Level II in this modality), mindfulness- based techniques and other somatic interventions. This can feel pretty different for folks who are used to traditional talk therapy. Rather than focusing on our thoughts and feeling stuck “going in circles” all session, we can use somatic interventions to cut out the noise and observe what’s actually happening in the immediate moment. By assessing and working with my client’s nervous system, I can see subtle shifts that indicate harmful “couplings”, incomplete survival responses, and, most importantly, help my clients tap into the rhythm of their natural settling and resourcing patterns.
By working with the body in tandem with the mind and spirit, I’ve been able to build a comprehensive practice that addresses all of my clients’ needs. Knowing that my clients feel seen, heard and feel the difference after our sessions means everything to me. It’s reassuring to know that what I set out to build 4 years ago has come to fruition.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The biggest hurdle along the path of building my practice has definitely been going it solo. I didn’t have the same level of support as I would have working at an agency or group practice. I had to learn a lot really quick and I am my own team: accountant, receptionist, HR, marketing, etc.
Although private practice sometimes feels isolating and lonely, it’s reassuring to know that I built my business from the ground up by myself. I didn’t have financial support to kickstart my business, and no one in my family has experience with owning a business, so every dollar I’ve made and scrap of knowledge I’ve gained has been from my own effort. There is a lot of empowerment in that.
As you know, we’re big fans of Hailey Hughes Therapy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My clients would probably say that I’m known for my flexibility and creativity. I’m always open to pivoting, and I love being creative in session, whether it’s using art therapy, psychodrama or eidetic imagery exercises. I think the biggest indicator of this is how I hold my in-person sessions. Rather than sitting in a cold, stuffy office, staring at a virtual stranger (which always gave me the heebiejeebies when I was a client in therapy myself), I hold my in-person sessions at a local park, where we can walk and talk, feel support from the scenery, and get space when we need it. Offering walk and talk sessions has truly made my practice what it is. I absolutely love starting my morning at the park with an iced matcha and a book, feeling grounded in myself before I see my first client of the day. This ritual has helped me feel rooted, and allows me to be the best, most regulated version of myself as my clients file in and out of the park throughout the day.
Of course I also offer online sessions, as this seems to have become the norm since the pandemic. It’s convenient for me to see clients outside of Austin and usually more comfortable for those who prefer having sessions from their own home. I always encourage comfort in my telehealth sessions. Want to log on wrapped in a blanket like a burrito on your couch? Cool! Want to cuddle your puppy while you cry? Welcome! Online sessions have a unique way of leading clients towards unlocking their natural settling patterns and finding comfort in the things they’ve already filled their space with.
Overall, whether it’s a telehealth or walk and talk session, my practice is grounded in openness, genuineness and understanding. I strive to bring these tenants not just to my professional interactions, but to the forefront of my personal relationships as well. I believe that my clients can feel this alignment in my system, and it helps to build trust, as well as set the stage for healing.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Authenticity matters most to me. Not just in how I show up, but in how my clients show up as well. That’s when the healing happens. I encourage my clients to give me honest feedback, and I assure them that they don’t have to filter their thoughts, feelings or bodily responses. They get to show up as they are.
Think about it: if you’re bringing in inauthentic thoughts and feelings, then all of our therapeutic insights will be inauthentic as well, and that won’t get us anywhere. I’m not able to do my best work in helping you heal when I don’t have authenticity. That’s why being open and vulnerable is so important to the counseling process.
Pricing:
- Individual counseling- $160
- Family counseling- $180
- Professional Consultation (for other therapists)- $100
- Sliding scale services down to $110
Contact Info:
- Website: https://haileyhughestherapy.clientsecure.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/haileyhughestherapy/
