- Addictions
- Anger management
- Self esteem
About Kelly
Kelly Hayes is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) in Michigan with over 30 years of experience. He helps people who are coping with anger, relationship strain, addictions, self-esteem problems, and related stresses. He also has a long background supporting people affected by childhood trauma and by challenges that show up in daily life.
Kelly's early career included roles as a child and family counselor, a special education social worker, and a behavioral intervention specialist. He has worked with people facing anxiety, depression, abandonment and attachment concerns, and difficulties connected to substance use. His experience also extends to supporting people living with OCD, ADHD, autism spectrum differences, developmental delays, learning-related behavioral challenges, and school-related avoidance.
In sessions he focuses on building on strengths. He uses active listening and direct communication to help people talk through what angers them and what keeps resentment growing. He values clear, honest feedback and practical steps people can use between meetings.
Kelly collaborates with each person to create a plan that fits their needs. That plan can include strategies to manage intense moments, ways to improve daily interactions, and steps to reduce substance-related problems when those appear. He describes his role as a coach and clinician who guides problem-solving and skill practice.
His long experience in schools and behavioral support work informs a practical approach. Sessions aim to be straightforward and goal-focused, with measurable steps and follow-up. People looking for help with temper, long-standing frustration, or relationship fallout may find this approach useful.
How his approaches translate to online work
Kelly uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on practical skills and behavior change. One approach centers on problem-solving and behavioral strategies to reduce reactive responses and manage triggers; this helps people practice alternative responses and track progress over time. Another approach emphasizes strength-focused coaching, which identifies existing skills and builds small, repeatable steps to handle anger and improve relationships. These methods suit everyday problems like workplace frustration, ongoing resentment, or repeated arguments.Finding the best approach is part of the early work in sessions. He will talk with each person about what they want to change, try techniques, and adjust the plan based on what helps most. That collaborative process means methods can shift as goals and needs become clearer.
Confirm the specific session formats available before booking. If using online sessions, people often find they can fit meetings into a busy week, join from a different location when needed, or choose shorter check-ins on days that are harder to schedule. Online work can make following step-by-step practice between meetings easier and help track progress without extra travel. Licensed professionals and therapists generally structure online work so it supports daily life and clear goals rather than open-ended discussion.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he work with related to anger?
He works with anger tied to relationships, addictions, self-esteem issues, and effects of early childhood trauma.
What is his therapeutic approach or style?
He uses a strengths-based, direct approach with active listening and practical strategies to address anger and related problems.
How much experience does he have?
He has over 30 years of experience in social work, counseling, behavioral intervention, and life coaching.
What are his credentials and where does he practice?
He is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) practicing in Michigan.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does he work with clients outside the United States?
He is not currently accepting international clients.
How are sessions paid for and what does cost look like?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin or schedule a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.