Due to COVID-19, our office is currently only providing telehealth services. Please reach out to start services at email Jennifer.hayes@jhlmft.com
Jennifer Hayes, PhD LMFT RPT
Jennifer Hayes PhD is a child and family therapist with a small private group practice. Dr. Hayes completed her doctoral degree in MFT at NCU. She is passionate about using her knowledge to help people achieve a higher sense of well-being. She is also passionate about educating and training others to grow awareness on mental health issues, and the needs in rural communities.
Dr. Hayes provides a variety of clinical and clinical education services including consultation, speaking engagements, workshops, on mental health, attachment, trauma, social issues, rural communities, and a range of other topics!
Dr. Hayes is the past President of the Young Professionals of Lake Cumberland, where she encouraged young professionals to participate in community development and volunteer work. She likes to get involved in the local community and encourage others to do the same.
Jennifer is the Chair of Research Committee and Senior Editor for the International Association for Sandtray Therapy. She is very passionate about the benefits of Sandtray therapy and looking forward to the future of this treatment model.
Dr. Hayes is a Clinical Fellow with AAMFT and a Professional Member of the Association for Play Therapy.
My Story
My small town roots are a big part of why I choose to focus on family. I was born and raised in the little town of Berea, Kentucky, population just a hair over 13,000, and well-known for its art festivals, old buildings, and historic restaurants.
I left Ky in 2009 to pursue my Bachelor of Science in biblical studies and counseling at Johnson University, Knoxville Tn. My experience at Johnson proved transformative. There, I discovered the power of incorporating spirituality into therapy—this shapes my practice to this day. I fell in love with relational therapy and knew I wanted to help relationships.
After my graduation in 2012, I moved back to Kentucky to pursue my Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) at Northcentral University (NCU). I completed the program in 2015.
I completed the Ph.D. MFT program with a specialization in child and adolescent therapy at NCU. My dissertation focused on Predictive factors of family functioning in a sample of parents that have a child diagnosed with ASD. This study also focused on families in rural areas.
Besides the degrees and all the experience that comes along, Chris and I have been married for 15 years and we have three amazing children. Being a parent was a huge motivator for me to become a child and family therapist.
Some Fun Facts
I am multicultural. I embrace my heritage. When I set out to discover my history a few years ago, I was able to rediscover my roots and gain a profound understanding of who I was the context of my ancestors. This has helped me find inner peace, develop a positive outlook on life, and deepen my respect for other cultures.
I have lots of interests. Outside work, I enjoy learning and reading! I also love the outdoors, and kayaking with my family. I enjoy music, museums, festivals, and a good cup of coffee (who doesn’t). We hope to have small homestead and become more attuned with nature.
Teddy. If you are ever in the office you may see a little 6 lb Yorkie running around. His name is Teddy. He is not a therapy dog but is quite entertaining!
Christopher Hayes, M.A.
Chris Hayes graduated from Union College with his Master’s degree in Psychology. He is a graduate of EKU’s Criminal Justice program as well. Chris’s Master’s project focused on exploring parental needs of parents that have a child in trauma treatment. Chris is not a clinical provider just yet, but he is often working behind the scenes to keep the business flowing from day to day!
Chris is a trained facilitator for the Nurturing Parenting Program.
Carrie Collins, B.A., tCADC
“My name is Carrie Collins. I am a (T) Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor from Somerset, Kentucky. I am committed to drug and alcohol counseling, with an enhanced interest in the underlying conditions that can feed into this disorder and dysfunctional behaviors related to such. I believe that each person is a sum of the whole; and such, we all have a story to tell in what contributed to the place we currently find ourselves.
Life is fluid, but with a solidity that we cannot ignore. In realizing this, we begin to work on rebuilding and reimagining the future that our foundations may have set for us. This is our opportunity for healing, growth, and recovery. My philosophy is not to use the “blanket screenings and assessments” that dominate the profession, but to tailor each to the individual client as they present and find what and how I can be best be of service to them as they strive toward recovery.
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Addictions Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University. I am currently completing my clinical social work degree through Campbellsville University so that I may better aid my clients in seeking solutions to the underlying conditions and outer lying factors that may hinder their recovery. My philosophy is that it is never too late for anyone, if only they believe that too.”
Carrie is completing her master’s internship and receives supervision and training with Dr. Hayes.
She is currently under supervision with Mike Rankin, LMFT CADC.
Tabitha Foster, B.S.W.
Tabitha is a graduate of Campbellsville University with her Bachelor’s in Social Work. Tabitha has a passion for serving clients in her role as a Targeted Case Manager.
learn. heal. grow.
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