About Wesley
Wesley Hirst is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Missouri with 25 years of experience. He helps people who are feeling overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, grief, or big life changes. Wesley works with concerns like panic attacks, relationship struggles, addiction, sleep and eating issues, and questions about life purpose.
Wesley uses straightforward methods to help people make real changes. He draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to shift unhelpful thoughts and build values-based action.
Background and approach
He also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills and elements of the Gottman Method when relationship challenges come up. Sessions start with listening. Wesley asks about current struggles, what has helped before, and what a better week would look like.
From there he and the person map practical steps that fit daily life, such as breathing or grounding techniques, structured thought work, or communication skills practice. Wesley describes himself as down-to-earth and nonjudgmental. He draws on both professional training and life experience as a partner and parent.
His goal is to create a space where people can be honest and steady work can lead to small, steady gains. Outside of work he enjoys camping, backpacking, biking, photography, and music. He is a pet lover and enjoys time with wildlife visits at home.
Therapeutic approaches online and what they do
Wesley commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help people notice their thoughts and choose actions that match their values. ACT can be useful for anxiety, stress, and questions about life purpose by shifting focus from fighting thoughts to purposeful action.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another core method he uses. CBT involves spotting unhelpful thinking patterns and testing new ways of responding, which can reduce panic attacks, depressive thinking, and anxiety symptoms.
He also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance. These techniques teach practical steps for managing intense emotions and improving communication during conflict.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Wesley will listen to your goals and try methods that match your needs and preferences. Together you will decide which techniques to prioritize and adjust them as progress is made.
Online sessions are available by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility. Video is good for face-to-face conversation and practicing skills together. Phone sessions may fit times with limited bandwidth or for shorter check-ins. Live chat and messaging allow brief check-ins, skill reminders, and written practice when a phone call isn't practical. These options make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life while using ACT, CBT, and DBT techniques in everyday moments.
Questions people ask
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What this therapist works with
Most often
- Stress, Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Trauma and abuse
Also listed
- Addictions
- ADHD
- Anger management
- Coping with life changes
- Depression
- Eating disorders
- Family conflicts
- Grief
- Intimacy-related issues
- Life purpose
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Parenting issues
- Self esteem
- Sleeping disorders
Therapeutic approaches
- Experience
- 25 years
- Licensed
- Missouri
- Languages
- English
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