Madeline Hayes, MSW, LLMSW

Phone: 616-426-9034

Email: mhayes@secondstorycounseling.com

MSW - Spring Arbor University

I work with kids, preteens, and young adults ages 10 and up who are navigating anxiety, big emotions, family or friendship challenges, school stress, and the ups and downs of growing up.

I support clients struggling with emotional regulation, anger, relationships, communication, self-esteem, difficult life experiences, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Whether you're having a hard time managing your emotions, navigating relationships, adjusting to changes at home or school, or simply feeling stuck, therapy can provide a space to better understand yourself and build skills for moving forward.

I became a therapist because I’ve seen, personally and professionally, how isolating life can feel sometimes. Asking for help isn’t always easy, and you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. I believe meaningful change happens through real, honest connection, and I’m here to walk alongside you through it.

When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking with my family, gardening, reading, or hanging out with friends.

My Approach

I focus on creating a space where you can feel comfortable being yourself, no judgment, no pressure. We’ll work together to understand your story, recognize your strengths, and figure out what works best for you.

My style is strengths-based and person-centered, meaning you are the expert on your own life. I’m here to support, guide, and help you develop tools that feel realistic and useful.

Depending on your needs and goals, I may incorporate a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed approaches, DBT-informed coping and emotional regulation skills, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, relationship-focused approaches, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). When working with children and teens, I may also incorporate creative, engaging, and age-appropriate activities to support learning and self-expression, along with family and parent support when appropriate.

What You Can Expect

Therapy with me is collaborative, supportive, and real. We’ll start by getting to know you, your strengths, challenges, relationships, experiences, and what you want to work on.

Together, we may work on understanding emotions and identifying triggers, building healthy coping and calming skills, and learning how to manage anxiety, stress, anger, and other difficult emotions. We may also focus on improving communication and relationships, building confidence and self-esteem, navigating friendships, family, and school challenges, processing difficult experiences and life changes, and developing a stronger understanding of yourself and your strengths.

My goal isn't to change who you are. It's to help you feel more confident, more understood, and better equipped to handle life's challenges.