Meet Your Therapists!

  • Kira Hayes, MA, IMFT #F.2300381- Owner of Affirming Pathways

    I am queer (she/her)

    Only accepting Relational Therapy needs at this time - Limited to weekdays for late morning/early afternoon appointments (No reduced rate openings at this time)

    I believe the relationship between client and therapist is the foundation for healing, so I do my best to provide a therapeutic space that is safe and free of judgment for all diverse individuals, relationships, and families.

    While I am a multiracial Indigenous queer woman, I am cis and white passing, so I work hard to maintain a safe and knowledgable space while understanding my position of privilege in the therapeutic environment.

    My personal therapy approach is attachment based and Imago integrated. I value therapy that evolves to meet each person's unique needs. I am collaborative, process experiential, and humanistic, through a systemic lens.

    I have a laid back personality and an active, direct, and authentically engaging style. I share what I’m thinking in the moment with you and dialog through the therapy process with you. I plan to be alongside you as a supportive and active teammate, ‘in the trenches together,’ to help work through the challenges.

    My formal training includes a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in LGBTQ+ Couples and Family Therapy. I’m driven to maintain a current and knowledgeable practice by actively pursuing my training and education, especially in my specialization.

    I specialize in working with:

    • gender and sexual/affectional minorities (the whole alphabet mafia!)

    • non-monogamy and all relationship structure diversities

    • intersectionalities (intersecting identities) and minority stress

    • intimate relationship therapy

    • parents of LGBTQ+ youth and adults

    • communication and conflict resolution

    • trauma processing

    • sex and kink positivity

    • adult ADHD (I am diagnosed myself!)/Neurodivergence

    Professional Affiliations:

    American Psychological Association; American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy; AAMFT Queer & Trans Advocacy Network; World Professional Association for Transgender Health; Delta Kappa International MFT Honor Society (Iota Chapter); Licking County Chamber of Commerce; Diversity Chamber of Central Ohio; National Coalition for Sexual Freedom; KAP Professionals; National LGBT Chamber of Commerce; American Counseling Association; American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT); Counselors and Related Professionals Serving Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Communities

  • Tory Trimble, MA, LPCC # E.2102638

    I am queer and polyamorous (she/her)

    Immediate openings for teletherapy! (No reduced rate openings at this time)

    I am a white, cis, queer, polyamorous woman. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio. I graduated with my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Ohio State University in 2015 and have been working for the past several years in the community mental health setting. I have experience working with people from a broad range of backgrounds, cultures, ages, socioeconomic statuses, and presenting concerns. I am especially passionate about working with young adults, as well as folks in the LGBTQIA+ and Ethical Non-Monogamy communities.

    I firmly believe that the strength of the therapeutic relationship between counselor and client is the most important ingredient for effective and meaningful work. I strive to meet clients where they are, and to show up in session as my authentic self. I bring curiosity, kindness, and humor to the therapy space, and do my best to minimize power imbalances in the counselor/client relationship. I believe that we are two experts coming together; you as the expert of your life story, and me as an expert in mental/emotional health.

    Therapeutic modalities I use in sessions include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Feminist Therapy, and Existential Therapy. I collaborate with clients to identify what style(s) of therapy fit best for them, and tailor my approach to meet clients’ unique needs and preferences. I strive to connect clients with more deeply felt and embodied empowerment, self-compassion, and peace in their lives.

    I am committed to maintaining a therapeutic space of emotional safety to the best of my ability for folks who hold marginalized identities. I do my best to be LGBTQIA-affirming; BIPOC-affirming; sex, kink, and ethical non-monogamy positive; fat positive, and welcoming to folks across the (dis)ability spectrum.

    In my time outside of work, I enjoy practicing and teaching yoga, time outside, cuddling my black lab mix, exploring new places, and quality time with family, friends, and partners.

    I specialize in working with:

    · LGBTQIA+ folks

    · Communication and conflict resolution

    · Young adult stage of development

    · Identity exploration and development

    · Navigating life transitions

    · Body image and moving away from Diet Culture

  • Jaden (name in use) List, MSSA, LSW #S.2105914

    I am disabled, nonbinary, and queer. (they/them/he/him)

    Immediate openings for teletherapy! (No reduced rate openings at this time)

    I'm a white, queer cripplepunk. I grew up on a farm in conservative rural Ohio. I'm now based in Youngstown. I have two dogs and two cats that will likely make an appearance during telehealth sessions.

    I’m a Licensed Social Worker and an Ohio Certified Prevention Specialist. I graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 2018 with a masters degree. During my time in Cleveland, I was involved in SURJOhio (Showing Up for Racial Justice) and played a role in the development of TRANSlate at the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. The initiative focused on improving healthcare for trans individuals.

    Trained in Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) , I aim to provide a safe and empathetic space for those facing mental health challenges to work towards hope and healing. My sessions are trauma-informed, drawing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Whether we're diving into solution-oriented strategies, or engaging in psychotherapeutic exploration, our sessions can cover emotional regulation, social skills, identity exploration, goal setting, resource connection, and more.

    I specialize in working with:

    • suicidal ideation

    • PTSD symptoms

    • kids, teenagers, and their parents

    • young adults

    • identity development

    • transgender journeys

    • disability as an identity

    • anxiety and depression

    • chronic illness

    • queer and/or polyamorous relationships

    • LGBTQ+ identities in religion

    Under the Supervision of Elijah Jones, MSW, LISW-S, LICDC, CCTP #I.1600278-SUPV