arise 052126 1 final web
accepting new patients

Hailey Clark

Graduate Intern
she/her

I am a graduate intern therapist in Gainesville who primarily works with children, adolescents, and young adults. I take a primarily person-centered, relational approach, grounded in empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard. I work with a range of concerns, with particular interest in OCD, anxiety, and depressive disorders, as well as life transitions and relationship challenges. I also enjoy using non-directive play therapy techniques to help young clients express emotions, process experiences, and make sense of their world in a developmentally supportive way. I believe therapy works best when clients feel safe, seen, and truly understood. I strive to create a warm, collaborative space where you can show up as your full self and move at your own pace, with room for honesty, humor, and curiosity along the way. I became a therapist because I know what it feels like to sit with big emotions without knowing how to make sense of them, and I want to offer others the kind of supportive space that helped me. I believe change happens through self-awareness, emotional understanding, and a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship.

What treatment areas do you specialize in?

As a new clinician, I work with a range of presenting concerns and have a particular interest in OCD, anxiety, and depressive disorders. Additionally, I have experience working with individuals going through life transitions and relational difficulties. I continue to develop my clinical skills in these areas through supervision, ongoing training, and direct client work, and I tailor treatment to each client’s unique needs and presentation.

Why did you choose to become a therapist?

I chose to become a therapist because I understand what it feels like to experience big emotions without fully knowing how to navigate them. Growing up, I was often described as “too emotional” or “the one who cries a lot,” and it sometimes felt difficult to make sense of what I was experiencing internally. In high school, I began my own counseling journey, which became a life-changing experience. Therapy gave me a safe space to explore what was underneath those emotions, better understand myself, and feel truly heard.

During my undergraduate studies, I interned at a residential facility for at-risk youth, where I had the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with adolescents and witness their growth over time. Through those experiences, I saw firsthand how powerful it can be to have a safe, supportive space and someone willing to genuinely listen.

I became a therapist because I want to walk alongside individuals as they explore themselves, process their experiences, and discover empowerment within who they are. I feel especially passionate about working with children and adolescents who may be experiencing emotions they do not yet have the words or tools to navigate, and helping create a space where they can feel understood, supported, and valued.

What can a client expect to experience in session with you?

Clients can expect a safe, warm, and supportive space that is tailored to their individual needs. I approach therapy with empathy, respect, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness, and aim to meet clients where they are in their process. I believe each client is the expert of their own life, and I work collaboratively to support self-exploration and growth. I also value authenticity in the therapeutic relationship and welcome clients to bring their full, unique selves into the room, including humor, honesty, and lived experience.

What treatment tools and modalities do you use in your practice? 

I primarily use Person-Centered Therapy, Talk Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)-informed interventions, and Narrative Therapy approaches. I tailor treatment to each client’s unique experiences, strengths, and goals, and may explore patterns across the past, present, and future to support insight and growth. I also provide a trauma-informed approach.

When working with children, I utilize non-directive play therapy techniques, recognizing that play is a primary way children express and process their emotions and experiences. Through play, children are able to communicate their inner world, work through difficult feelings, and gain new perspectives in a developmentally appropriate way.

How do issues of Identity, Equity, and Justice influence your role as therapist?

I believe each client’s identity and lived experience deserve to be honored and understood within the context of their relationships, culture, and environment. As a therapist, it is important to me to advocate for my clients and to remain aware of how systems of inequity and injustice can impact mental health and well-being. Inside the therapy room, I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, respected, and empowered to explore these experiences. Outside of therapy, I seek to support clients through education, connection to resources, and an awareness of the broader systems that influence their lives.

How do you believe change happens?

I believe change happens through increased self-awareness, emotional understanding, and feeling genuinely supported within the therapeutic relationship. From a person-centered perspective, creating a safe and compassionate space can help reduce barriers that may keep clients feeling stuck. As clients gain insight into their emotions, relationships, and personal stories, they are often better able to move toward meaningful and lasting change.

What is your go to coffee order?

This is the perfect question for me, as I love my morning coffee! I usually pick from a coffee shop’s specialty menu, as that often offers the sweetest and yummiest options. I will always order an iced coffee, with some sort of sweet syrup (cookie butter is my favorite), and bonus points if there is cold foam on top.

What made you want to work at Arise?

Arise stood out to me because of the strong sense of community among clinicians and the supportive, affirming environment created for both therapists and clients. The office feels welcoming, collaborative, and safe, which is incredibly important to me in my clinical work. I also value the strong support system among clinicians, where no one feels like they are doing this work alone. (But I am mostly here for Dr. Scribbles)