Meet Your Therapists!

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

    I am queer (she/her)

    Currently accepting new clients for Relationship Therapy, with availability on weekday mornings and early afternoons!(No reduced rate openings at this time)

    I believe the relationship between client and therapist is the foundation for healing. While I am a multiracial Indigenous queer woman, I am cis and white passing, so I work hard to maintain an accountable, and knowledgable space while understanding my position of privilege in the therapeutic environment.

    My therapy approach to therapy is rooted in Relational Life Therapy, which means we’ll focus on honesty, accountability, and compassion as the foundation for change. I’m here to help you get to the truth of what’s beneath the surface, face challenges directly, and transform old patterns into new, healthier ways of being in your relationship.

    In every session, I show up fully prepared with practical strategies and tools to guide you toward meaningful progress. My style is laid back but very active—I’m direct, collaborative, and ready to meet you where you are. Think of me as a supportive teammate, working side by side with you to navigate the tough spots and move forward together.

    My formal training includes a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy with a specialization in LGBTQ+ Couples and Family Therapy and a certification in Relational Life Therapy.

    I specialize in working relationally with:

    All relationship types (from friendships to family to intimate partnerships and beyond)

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

    Non-monogamy and all relationship structure diversities

    Communication and conflict resolution

    Intersectionalities (intersecting identities) and minority stress

    Sex and kink positivity

    Adult Neurodivergence (I am diagnosed myself!)

    Professional Affiliations:

    American Psychological Association; American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy; AAMFT Queer & Trans Advocacy Network; Relational Life Therapy; 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

  • 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