Hayley Evans, MA, LMFT, Holistic Therapeutic Coach & Practice Owner
My life philosophy revolves around bringing loving kindness and acceptance into all
parts of my life—including inside the therapeutic space. I believe we are all doing the
best with the tools and experiences we were given, and that therapy can bring new
meaning to those experiences. As a counselor, it is not my job to tell others how they
should be—instead, I am here to accept my clients as they are while holding space for
the areas in their lives that they want to change.
Like many of my clients, I grew up in a family with unprocessed intergenerational trauma. Emotional hurt and anguish resulted from some of my early experiences—often taking the form of anxiety, depression, and shame—and I understand the pain that my clients are in when they reach out for help. Through a commitment to growth in my own life, I slowly healed and fostered a passion for helping others along the way. My relationship with sex, my body, and societal standards of what is considered attractive led me to develop a particular interest in the area of sex therapy. Personal experiences in marriage counseling, along with professional training in verified sex therapy models, have informed my understanding of intimacy within all kinds of relationships.
Relational Success And Emotional Health Are Deeply Intertwined
When we’re struggling with interpersonal conflict or mental health symptoms, it’s not uncommon to feel alone, powerless, and confused. Too often, people feel isolated by their challenges and turn inward to make sense of their thoughts, feelings, and emotions instead of seeking outside help or perspective. Yet, making genuine connections is essential in the healing process and finding the meaning behind life’s stressors—especially when those stressors have to do with our relationships themselves.
I became a therapist so I could have a chance to help my clients navigate difficult transitions and chart a path towards a life of their choosing. The relational work of identifying the familial, cultural, and spiritual systems at play between ourselves and our partners, parents, siblings, children, peers, and friends is a powerful means for catalyzing individual change. And I believe that when those in the system are willing to do the work, it’s easier to change the overall dynamic. As such, I welcome teen and adult clients to join me in therapy. I am trained in all areas of family life, child development, and intergenerational trauma, allowing parents in particular to have healthier interactions with their children. And I make counseling
available to individuals, couples, or family units. Intensive sessions at Serenity EFTC are also an option for those who wish to concentrate their time in therapy.
My Approach
My ultimate goal is to collaborate with clients in ending unhealthy patterns and empowering them to create their own template—rather than blindly accepting the standards passed down to them through their families, religions, or society at large. I have a passion for working with clients who identify as “different in some way,” whether those differences are due to neurodivergence, identifying as LGBTQ+, or having “unconventional” desires like kink or consensual non-monogamy. I am committed to holding space for my clients to move away from oppression and living how they “should” be toward a life of embracing their authentic values, desires, and goals.
Oftentimes, this approach calls for the highly effective method of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which is developed for individuals and couples alike to gain deeper emotional awareness. This evidence-based therapy encourages connection, communication, and closeness. In turn, clients can expect to feel heard, understood, and validated in counseling.
In addition to evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches, I incorporate body-based, Eastern, neuroscientific, and mindful practices. When paired with these practices, EFT helps to regulate the nervous system and can effectively reduce mental health symptoms. From a holistic perspective, I am able to maintain a deeper understanding of my clients while also demonstrating genuine compassion for their ongoing struggles.
An Affirming, Nonjudgmental Approach To Intimacy And Sex
Because I view a wide range of issues through the lens of intimacy and relationships, sex therapy is a fundamental aspect of my practice. In addition to my training and expertise as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), I maintain training through the Sexual Health Alliance. This includes specializations in human sexuality, unique sexual topics, and advanced training from renowned sex educator/researcher Emily Nagoski.
Using this training, I am able to help individuals struggle with such issues as low or differing sexual desire, vaginismus, erectile dysfunction, and early ejaculation. As such, I am uniquely prepared to help clients struggling in their sex lives. Whether past trauma has complicated the relationship or new curiosities and desires have emerged, I help individuals and couples achieve a satisfying, healthy sex life.
Furthermore, as a highly trained sex therapist, it’s absolutely essential that I maintain cultural awareness, sensitivity, and the most up-to-date training on best practices. I am constantly performing additional research in matters of neuroscience, attachment (including parenting), and intimacy. I am fearless in my self-examination as a clinician—always trying to foster an awareness of my own biases in the therapeutic process and challenging any barriers that may be preventing me from fully showing up for my clients.
Life Outside Of The Therapeutic Space
Relationships are an essential aspect of both my personal and professional identity. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, which includes my loving husband and kids.
Like most Coloradans, I value staying active and being outside. Trail running and hiking are some of my favorite activities in nature, providing much healing and time for self-reflection over the years. I also enjoy aerial and mat yoga, activities that have afforded me opportunities for regular yoga and meditation retreats. Self-care is always at the top of my priority list because I know that in order to be the most effective therapist possible, I need to take care of myself first.
You Can Heal Trauma and Increase Connection Through Therapy
Whether you’re struggling with family issues, concerned about your child’s well-being, or encountering setbacks in your intimate relationship, you are not alone in therapy. As a skilled counselor and highly trained sex therapist, I will take a nonjudgmental, healing approach that promotes positive, sustainable change. Working together, you can enhance your self-awareness, improve communication, and foster mutual support between you and your loved ones.
For more information or to schedule a free consultation call, contact us. I look forward to hearing from you!
Hayley Evans, MA, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a highly trained sex therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families in counseling. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University, Hayley received additional training and a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Regis University. Since then, Hayley has completed numerous advanced trainings and certifications, including:
-EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) , for processing trauma
-Pleasure Is The Measure: Expanding Your Client’s Sexual Well-Being with Emily Nagoski
– Sex Therapy training through Sexual Health Alliance
– Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples Core Skills
– Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples Externship
– Transforming Trauma: How To Do This Work And Sustain
– Working With Shame In Therapy
– Introduction to Synergetic Play Therapy for children
– Training in Meditation by various teachers and Buddhist monks
– Additional training in neuroscience