About Libby | Connected Beginnings
Libby Hayes, LCSW, MA
Therapist & Practice Owner
Licensed in Virginia & Washington, DC
I’m really glad you’re here. I’m Libby, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Connected Beginnings. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or not quite like yourself since becoming a mom, you’re in the right place. You don’t have to navigate this season alone. I provide individual therapy for moms who want to feel more like themselves again. I help moms feel calmer, more connected, and more confident in their parenting journey.
My work is rooted in the belief that parenthood can be deeply meaningful and deeply challenging. In therapy, I offer a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can be honest, feel understood, and learn tools to navigate difficult moments. Together, we work to reduce anxiety, repair and reconnect in relationships, and build a version of parenthood that feels authentic and sustainable for you.
My Background and Approach
I am a clinical social worker and a mom of two boys, which deeply shapes how I show up in my work. I understand firsthand the mental load, emotional complexity, and constant decision-making that comes with parenting.
I earned my Master of Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago and have provided clinical services across a wide range of settings, including community mental health, home-based therapy, and hospital systems. Most recently, I worked in maternal health policy, coordinating grant programs focused on supporting parents and families. This means I also understand the working mom juggle of intense in-office demands and managing deadlines at the same time as day camps.
This combination of clinical experience, systems-level work, and lived parenting experience allows me to support parents with both empathy and practical tools.
Specialized Training & Clinical Expertise
I have advanced training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and I draw from evidence-based approaches to tailor therapy to your unique needs, including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including CBT for Insomnia:
Helpful for challenging unhelpful thought patterns, reducing anxiety, and improving sleep
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
Helpful for building mindfulness skills, reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, clarifies values, and helps you reconnect with meaning and joy
A mind-body approach designed to help you move forward by combining walking outside with talk therapy,
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART):
Similar to EMDR, an evidence-based approach for processing birth trauma, NICU experiences, and past traumatic events
SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions):
Specialized parent-based treatment that empowers parents to support children with anxiety while fostering independence, confidence, and resilience
If you’re wondering whether therapy with me would be a good fit, a free, 15-minute intro call is a simple place to start
Therapy in Nature & Walk-and-Talk Sessions
Whenever possible, I integrate nature into my therapeutic work. I am a certified Run Walk Talk® practitioner, which allows us to meet outdoors for walk-and-talk therapy sessions in Arlington, VA. Learn more about Run Walk Talk here.
These sessions can be especially helpful for moms who:
Feel overwhelmed or stuck
Benefit from movement to regulate stress and anxiety
Want to combine therapy with time outdoors
I also offer online therapy in Virginia and Washington, DC, providing flexible support for busy parents.
What it’s like to work with me
Clients often tell me they feel understood, supported, and relieved after our first session. My style is warm, direct, and collaborative. We’ll move at a pace that feels manageable, balancing emotional support with practical tools you can use in your real, everyday life.
Therapy with me is a space where you can be honest, imperfect, and human.
If you’re ready to feel more like yourself and less alone in this season of parenthood, I’d love to support you.
Let’s talk about what’s been weighing on you and what kind of support would feel most helpful right now.
Therapy is available online in Virginia and Washington, DC, with walk-and-talk sessions offered in Arlington, VA
FAQs
No. Many moms I work with are functioning on the outside but feel overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected, or burned out on the inside. Therapy can help whether you’re in a difficult season or simply want more support and clarity.
Do I need to be in crisis to start therapy?
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Do you work with moms at different stages of parenthood?
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Yes. I support moms through pregnancy, postpartum, early parenthood, and the years beyond—including parents of toddlers, school-age children, teens, and children with complex needs.
Yes. I offer online therapy for parents located in Virginia and Washington, DC, making it easier to fit therapy into a busy parenting schedule.
Do you offer online therapy?
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What if my child is struggling? Do you offer parent coaching?
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Yes. I offer parent coaching and support parents with children with ADHD, Autism, anxiety, physical disabilities, or complex medical conditions. If your child is experiencing anxiety, I offer SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), a research-based parent training program that helps you support your child while fostering independence and resilience.
What are walk-and-talk therapy session?
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Walk-and-talk sessions are therapy sessions held outdoors while walking. As a certified Run Walk Talk® practitioner, I offer these sessions in Arlington, VA for clients who find movement and time in nature supportive for managing stress and anxiety. More information on Run Walk Talk®.
How do I get started?
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The first step is scheduling a free, 20-minute intro call. This gives us a chance to talk about what you’re going through, see if we’re a good fit, and discuss next steps. 👉 Schedule a free intro call.