Hailey Hunter, LMFT

I'm a neurodiversity-affirming therapist with a strong background in neuropsychology, and I bring that knowledge into every session with warmth and genuine curiosity about the person in front of me. My approach is person-centered, which means your goals lead the way and we build a path that fits how your brain and your life actually work. I'm not here to squeeze anyone into a system that wasn't built for them; I'm here to help you move toward what matters to you, in the way that works for you.

Types of clients treated:

- Teens (13-17)

- Young Adults (18-25)

- Adults (26-64)

- Older Adults (65+)

- Couples

Types of therapies or interventions used:

- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

- Internal Family Systems / Parts Work

- Person-Centered

- Gestalt

- Narrative

- Gottman Method

- Solution-Focused

- Motivational Interviewing

- Strengths-Based

- Mindfulness-Based

- Somatic & Body-Based

- Trauma-Informed Care

- Compassion-Focused

- Psychoeducation

Types of mental health issues treated:

- Anxiety

- Depression

- Trauma & PTSD

- OCD

- Panic

- Grief & Loss

- Life Transitions

- Self-Esteem & Shame

- Perfectionism

- Relationship & Attachment Issues

- Family Conflict

- Parenting

- ADHD & Executive Function

- Autism & Neurodiversity

- Body Image & Body Dysmorphia

- Identity & Belonging

- Burnout & Stress

- Women's Issues

- Adjustment Disorders

- Codependency & Boundaries

Licenses/Certifications:

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), #154880

Education:

M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy, National University

Availability:

Newport Beach, CA

Long Beach, CA

Telehealth

Languages:

English

Years of experience:

7

Why I became a Therapist:

I became a therapist because I've always been drawn to understanding people beneath the surface, what shapes them, what hurts them, and what helps them heal. I believe that every person carries a story that deserves to be heard and honored, especially those who may not have felt fully seen in traditional spaces. I was especially motivated to support neurodivergent individuals, who often move through the world feeling misunderstood or pressured to mask who they are. Therapy felt like a meaningful way to offer a different experience, one rooted in validation, respect, and genuine curiosity.

Describe your therapeutic approach and what makes it unique?

What makes me unique is my deeply affirming, identity-informed approach to therapy. I specialize in working with neurodivergent clients, particularly those navigating autism, ADHD, and sensory or relational sensitivity, and I approach this work from a strengths-based, non-pathologizing lens. I'm also mindful of how systems, culture, and marginalization impact mental health, and I integrate that awareness into how I connect with each person. I bring warmth, humor, and authenticity into the room, and I strive to create an environment where clients feel not only safe, but also celebrated, for who they truly are. My work is rooted in a trauma-informed, integrative framework that draws from Gestalt, mindfulness, somatic awareness, and narrative therapy. I tailor each session to the needs and pace of the individual, always centering consent, collaboration, and emotional safety. Whether we're processing identity exploration, relationship struggles, or building new coping strategies, I aim to help clients increase their self-understanding and access more empowered ways of living. Therapy with me is not about fixing what's 'wrong', it's about reconnecting with what's already whole.