- ACT methods
- CBT skills
- DBT strategies
About Wesley
Wesley Hirst is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri with 25 years of experience. He works with adults on common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, and anger. Wesley also supports people dealing with relationship strain, intimacy-related issues, parenting stresses, sleep and eating problems, ADHD, and life changes including questions about life purpose and panic attacks.
Wesley describes counseling as a practical collaboration rather than a quick fix. He uses everyday language and straightforward methods to help clients notice what matters to them and take small steps toward change. Sessions focus on clear skills and real-life choices instead of jargon or abstract theory.
His approach draws on evidence-informed methods including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Existential Therapy, and the Gottman Method for relationship work. That mix lets him teach behavioral tools, explore values and meaning, and address emotional regulation and communication problems.
Wesley writes that trust is central to the work. He frames sessions around honesty and respect while encouraging practical work between meetings. Outside of counseling he spends time backpacking, biking, photographing wildlife, and enjoys being with pets.
Clients who want concrete strategies for anger, stress, or relationship difficulties will find sessions that focus on skill-building, mindful awareness, and decisions tied to personal values. He asks new clients to complete a brief matching questionnaire before scheduling a first session so he can learn about their goals.
How ACT, CBT and DBT inform online sessions
Wesley works from approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). ACT helps people clarify values and commit to actions that match those values while learning to notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms like anxiety or low mood. DBT provides concrete techniques for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving interpersonal effectiveness useful for managing intense anger or relationship conflict.Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. Wesley treats approach selection as a collaborative decision. He will talk with each person about their goals, try different strategies, and adjust the plan based on what helps in daily life.
The original biography does not list which exact online session formats are used, so confirm current options before booking. Many people find virtual sessions make it easier to fit therapy into busy days, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and let them practice skills between sessions in their everyday environment. Wesley asks new clients to complete a brief matching questionnaire before scheduling a first session so practical arrangements and therapeutic goals can be discussed.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Missouri
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does he work with?
He works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, addictions, anger, relationship and intimacy issues, parenting concerns, sleep and eating problems, ADHD, and life changes including panic attacks and questions about life purpose.
What is his general approach in sessions?
He uses practical, evidence-informed methods and plain language to teach skills, explore values, and improve emotional regulation and communication.
How much experience does he have?
He has 25 years of professional experience as a counselor.
What credentials and location should I know?
He is an LPC, a Licensed Professional Counselor, practicing in Missouri.
Which languages are supported and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English. He is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not specify session formats, so confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Click the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.