Madeline Hayes, LLMSW, MS/MA

Phone: 616-426-9034

Email: mhayes@secondstorycounseling.com

MSW - Spring Arbor University

I am a therapist because I've seen, both personally and professionally, how isolating and overwhelming life can become, and how powerful it is to have someone truly walk alongside you through it. My experiences have shown me the strength it takes to ask for help, especially when you're navigating substance use, mental illness, or simply trying to hold everything together. I believe healing happens in safe, honest connection, and I'm here to offer that. You don't have to do this alone. Together, we can create space for your story, your pain, your growth, and whatever hope might still be flickering beneath it all.

When I'm not working, I find peace and joy in long hikes with my dogs, digging in the garden, and lending a hand to neighbors with their animals. These simple, grounding moments remind me daily of the importance of care, connection, and being present.

My Approach

In our work together, my goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable sharing openly, without fear of judgment. As we build our therapeutic relationship, we'll explore what makes your story unique, and together we'll find the approach that feels best for you. I believe in a strengths-based and person-centered approach, which means that you are the expert of your own life, and I am here to support you in navigating the path forward. I draw from a variety of therapeutic frameworks, including Internal Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, Attachment Theory, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, all with the aim of helping you better understand yourself and your experiences. My hope is to empower you to take the lead in your healing, while I provide guidance and tools to help you along the way.

What You Can Expect

In therapy with me, you can expect a collaborative process where we begin by getting to know you, your unique strengths, experiences, and goals that make you who you are. We'll work together to identify the resources you already have within yourself and how we can build upon them to help you move toward the changes you're seeking. I'll also take time to understand the cultural and personal elements that are important to you, ensuring that our work together is effective, respectful, and aligned with your values. Ultimately, my hope is that through our time together, you'll gain greater emotional resilience, deepen your self-confidence, and feel more at peace with the path you're on, all while recognizing the power you have to shape your own story.