HOPE Therapist Spotlight: Q&A with Hayley Zacharia, MFT Trainee
Updated: Feb 26, 2021
Q. What is your name and job title?
A. My name is Hayley Zacharia and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee
Q. What type of therapy do you specialize in?
A. I’m not sure that I have a specialty at this point. I like to believe that my primary goal is to meet the client where they are at. I do my best to hold space for a client to process, feel safe, be heard, and be given the opportunity to appropriately work through whatever is bringing them in. Each client and each issue is so very different, and it’s important to me that a client feels that they can unload and vulnerably share in the ways that feel most beneficial to them.
Q. What inspired you to become a therapist?
A. As is the case for most, I have walked through my own struggles. During every trial, I had a wonderful therapist step in, and sit with me as I navigated my way through it. I knew early on that I wanted to do the same for others. I want to be a source of encouragement, empathy, support, and a bridge to healing for each of my client’s. I want to provide a place where each person I interact with feels seen, acknowledged, and able to lay there burdens on the table, knowing I will listen, receive them as they are, and walk alongside them.
Q. What is the most rewarding part of being a therapist?
A. Honestly, I am humbled every day that I get the privilege of hearing the stories of such beautifully unique people, as they courageously process their own pain.
Q. What is a quote or piece of advice you like to give to clients?
A. A lot of my interaction with clients is done by attempting to return them to a place of empowerment. I hope that my clients learn to see themselves as worthy, and important. My hope is that they would regain confidence, strength, and pride in the individuality of who they are. Therefore, you will often here me say “you are enough” and “your voice matters”.
Q. What do you know now that you didn’t know when you started your career as a therapist?
A. Sometimes silence is the best therapy. Offering quiet space is often more powerful than conversation.
What is the biggest misconception about therapy?
A. I think the biggest misconception is that a therapist has all the answers. Therapy is not about finding a solution, or giving a to-do list. Therapy is about allowing the client to guide the process, and giving them the opportunity to do that at their own pace, based on their own unique circumstances.
Q. What are your favorite mental health books and/or resources you like to recommend?
A. I love anything by Brene Brown. I’m also a big fan of Glennon Doyle, and Jen Sincero.
Read Hayley's Professional Bio on our staff page here.