Wesley Hirst , LPC

Wesley Hirst is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Missouri who brings 25 years of clinical experience to his work with individuals and families. He approaches therapy as a collaborative process built on honesty, respect, and trust, and he draws on formal training in trauma, substance use disorders, marriage counseling, mindfulness, and adolescent behavior concerns. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and combines that academic background with practical experience to help clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, grief, addiction, and a wide range of life transitions.

Wesley emphasizes an empathic, nonjudgmental stance and aims to create a supportive atmosphere where people feel heard and understood. He recognizes that every person’s story is unique and that meaningful change tends to come from clear goals, evidence-based strategies, and steady effort rather than quick fixes. Because trust is central to effective therapy, he works to build a reliable therapeutic relationship in which clients can explore their hopes, struggles, and values.

Outside of his clinical work, Wesley has lived many roles - son, brother, husband, father, employer, employee, and friend - and he brings that life experience to his practice. He enjoys camping, backpacking, music, biking, and photography, and he is a pet lover who often has wildlife visitors at home. Wesley welcomes new clients and aims to help them identify practical steps toward healthier, more satisfying lives.

Therapeutic Approaches and Remote Care

Wesley uses several evidence-informed approaches to help clients reach practical goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other challenges. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, ACT, emphasizes accepting difficult thoughts and feelings while clarifying personal values and taking committed action toward a meaningful life, which can be helpful for stress, chronic worry, and life transitions. Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, teaches skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships, making it useful for intense emotions, self-destructive patterns, and relationship conflicts.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative part of the work. Wesley will discuss your needs, goals, and preferences, and together you will tailor strategies and techniques that fit your situation rather than following a one-size-fits-all plan.

Online therapy with Wesley is available by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility and accessibility. Remote sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, maintain continuity during life changes, and access consistent support from licensed professionals from home or another convenient location.