Wesley Hirst , LPC

Wesley Hirst is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Missouri with 25 years of experience helping people navigate stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, addictions, family and intimacy issues, eating and sleeping concerns, parenting difficulties, anger, self-esteem struggles, life transitions, and ADHD. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and has extensive training in trauma, substance abuse disorders, marriage counseling, mindfulness, and adolescent behavior disorders. The LPC credential indicates that he is trained and licensed to provide professional counseling services in Missouri.

Wesley approaches therapy with realistic expectations and practical methods. He does not promise a quick fix, but he brings proven techniques, empathy, and a collaborative spirit to the work. Trust and honesty are central to his therapeutic relationships, and he emphasizes understanding each person’s unique history, hopes, and goals before shaping a treatment plan.

Drawing on clinical approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Existential Therapy, and the Gottman Method, he tailors interventions to meet the needs of individuals, couples, and families. His experience includes supporting people through panic attacks and the search for life purpose as well as addressing common day-to-day struggles.

Outside of his professional life, Wesley has lived many of the roles his clients describe—son, brother, husband, father, employee, employer, and friend—and he brings that personal insight to his work. He enjoys camping, backpacking, music, biking, and photography, and he is a pet lover who often receives visits from wildlife. Wesley welcomes the opportunity to meet new clients and to begin a thoughtful, goal-oriented therapeutic process.

Therapeutic approaches and online care with Wesley

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is offered in sessions to help clients clarify their values, accept difficult thoughts and feelings, and take committed steps toward a meaningful life. It is often used for stress, anxiety, and navigating life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and panic. Sessions use practical exercises and skills that clients can apply between appointments. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness skills, making it useful for intense emotions, relationship difficulties, and coping with crises.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Wesley collaborates with each person to assess needs, goals, and preferences and tailors techniques from these models to fit the individual or couple. The selection of methods evolves as progress is made and as priorities change.

Online therapy with Wesley is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to provide flexibility and accessibility. These options make it easier to maintain consistency around work, family, and travel, while allowing therapists and clients to focus on growth and practical strategies that work in everyday life.