Counselor in Decatur
Samantha Hayes
Counseling Practicum Student
Supervised by Jeri Kay Kao, LPC-S
“I believe that people have their own answers and are inherently good. They just need a safe space and tools to help them reach their full potential.”
— Samantha Hayes, Counseling Practicum Student
Meet Samantha, Our Practicum Student
Samantha is a passionate and dedicated practicum student who is completing her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Capella University. She has a strong foundation in psychology, having earned her bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in counseling from the University of North Texas.
Experience and Expertise
In addition to her academic achievements, Samantha brings valuable experience to her work with clients. She has volunteered with the Red Cross, providing support to military service members and their families, and has worked for several years at both Denton County MHMR and Tarrant County MHMR. These experiences have given her a deep understanding of the diverse needs of individuals facing mental health challenges.
Samantha also holds a Graduate certificate in Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services from Capella University and certified to conduct AS+k and CALM trainings.
She has a particular interest in working with veterans, and individuals seeking support with self-esteem, spirituality, peer relationships, and coping skills.
Therapeutic Approach
She provides a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their challenges and discover their own solutions. Her approach is collaborative and client-centered, focusing on building self-awareness and developing coping skills. In therapy with Samantha, you can expect her approach to provide a safe, empathetic, and trusted place to process through life’s hardest moments. These could be past, present, or potential situations that have/could cause stress for the client. Clients can expect to do activities that help them to gain better self awareness and have an objective soundboard for making decisions.
Samantha is skilled in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including:
Christian Counseling: Integrating faith-based principles and practices into the therapeutic process.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Compassion Focused Therapy: Cultivating self-compassion and understanding in the face of challenges.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Developing skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Personal Interests
Outside of her work, Samantha enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter, especially engaging in water activities. She is also a proud pet parent to a cat and a dog.
A Note About Samantha Status
As a practicum student, Samantha is working under the close supervision of Jeri Kay Kao, LPC-S. This ensures that you receive high-quality care while benefiting from Samantha’s fresh perspective and dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling in Decatur
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Counseling: A shorter-term approach focused on addressing specific issues.
Therapy: Typically a longer-term process that delves deeper into underlying patterns of thought, feelings, and behavior.
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Which is right for me?
The best approach, whether that is counseling or therapy, depends on your individual needs and goals. Contact me to schedule your free 15-minute consultation to see what will be the best option for you.
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I want to help you become your best self in the way that is most helpful for you. I provide both in person (face-to-face) sessions, as well as, online therapy.
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LPC vs. LPC Associate: A Quick Guide
Both LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) and LPC Associate are mental health professionals, but there's a key difference in their experience and supervision:
LPC: A Licensed Professional Counselor has completed a graduate-level counseling program and has met all the necessary requirements to practice independently. They have extensive experience in the field and are fully licensed to provide counseling services to clients.
LPC Associate: An LPC Associate is also a licensed mental health professional, but they are still in the process of gaining supervised experience. They must work under the direct supervision of a fully licensed LPC to ensure that they are providing high-quality care and adhering to ethical standards.
In essence, while both LPCs and LPC Associates are qualified to provide counseling services, LPCs have more experience and independence in their practice.
