Hayley McCraw, LCMHCA
Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate

she/they

​Hayley is a Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate who works with children 10+, teens, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem issues, and identity development. She also enjoys working with clients who are facing school or career issues, relationship problems, or sexual health issues. Their goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients can authentically explore themselves, solve problems, and feel heard and valued.

Seeking counseling can be difficult. Change and growth can often be uncomfortable. By working with Hayley, you can expect a safe and understanding place to explore current and past difficulties, process emotions, and achieve holistic well-being.

Hayley provides traditional talk therapy or Expressive Arts Therapy, depending on their client's needs and interest. Expressive Art Therapy can be especially useful for those who have experienced trauma or struggle to verbally express difficult emotions and experiences (see below for more about Expressive Arts Therapy).
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Qualifications
Hayley is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (#A19228) approved by the North Carolina Board of Licensed Mental Health Counselors (NCBLCMHC). Hayley is a graduate of Meredith College with a B.A. in Dance Studies with an Education Capstone and a minor in Psychology. They graduated from Appalachian State University in 2023 with a multitude of achievements. They hold an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, a graduate certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy, and a concentration in Body Centered Therapy. 
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Background
Hayley specializes in helping emerging adults and teens deal with anxiety, trauma, depression, interpersonal relationships, self-esteem, identity development, school/career, sexual health, and adjustment to new environments. Through their work, Hayley has found a passion for navigating the complexities of college life with her clients. Before entering counseling, Hayley was a public school teacher specializing in dance and exceptional children. Her commitment to anti-human trafficking efforts and advocating for marginalized communities also form an important part of her life.
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Specialization
Hayley offers a range of approaches to meet the unique needs of each client. Her person-centered method prioritizes authenticity and unconditional positive regard, allowing clients to take the lead in their own healing journey. With a Feminist/Multicultural approach, Hayley is committed to understanding the impact of context, identity, oppression, and societal systems on her clients' experiences. She enjoys integrating evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy interventions to explore the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. 

Personal Life
Hayley has recently made the transition from the Appalachian Mountains back to their hometown of Greensboro, NC. She lives with her spouse and cuddly, rambunctious cats Sugaree and Yoshi. You’ll rarely find Hayley sitting still because they'll dance just about anywhere, including with her multicultural dance troupe. Hayley enjoys spending time outside-- hiking, camping, swimming, or insisting that it’s good weather for patio-sitting. In their down time, you’ll probably find Hayley playing The Sims, streaming a coming-of-age show, or planning their next epic travel experience.
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​For those considering Expressive Arts Therapy...

​Expressive Arts Therapy merges art, music, dance, drama, and writing into a holistic therapeutic approach, offering individuals a powerful way to express emotions and experiences beyond words. This therapy is especially beneficial for those struggling with verbal expression, providing an alternative path to explore and heal. It addresses a range of issues, including anxiety, depression, and trauma, by fostering self-awareness, resilience, and emotional relief. The creative process can significantly reduce stress, promoting a sense of well-being.

You don’t have to have any artistic experience nor talent to benefit from Expressive Arts Therapy. 

​We focus on the creative process rather than any finished work. The most important thing to remember about Expressive Arts Therapy is that the focus is not on artistic ability - just be open to using the creative process to express yourself! 

Effective for all ages and backgrounds, Expressive Arts Therapy offers a transformative journey, encouraging clients to connect deeply with themselves and discover new avenues for growth and healing in a supportive environment. Everyone can benefit from the therapeutic power of this kind of therapy, and the best way to understand it is to experience it for yourself.