Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Hayzlett
Hi Amber, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Thirteen years ago, I made the decision to pursue social work. If I could go back and sit with my younger, anxious self, I’d tell her two things: First, that imposter syndrome never really goes away—but second, and more importantly, that she would come so much farther than she ever imagined. She had no idea that not only would she earn a Bachelor’s in Social Work, but she’d go on to earn a Master’s as well—and that would only be the beginning.
Becoming a therapist isn’t just about earning degrees. It’s a long, often grueling process. After grad school, social workers must pass a master’s-level exam, complete 3,000 hours of clinical practice, process those experiences through 100 hours of supervision, and then, only after board approval, sit for the clinical exam. It’s years of commitment, persistence, and self-doubt, but also of growth, learning, and discovery.
I wish I could say I always knew I’d make it through, but that wouldn’t be true. Throughout school, I constantly felt like I was behind—like everyone else just got it while I struggled to keep up. Anxiety and imposter syndrome were my constant companions, and in my attempts to compensate, I clung to perfectionism—an impossible standard that only left me feeling like I was never quite enough. But it was through my practicum that I finally found my feet. Working alongside people in their most vulnerable moments highlighted my natural skills. It was the first time I felt like who I was and how I learned finally settled into a practice I love. I realized that the way I process the world—the way I listen, empathize, and hold space for others—wasn’t just useful; it was necessary. My practicum experience allowed me to hone what was already present and connect the theories I was learning in school to the real, complex, human work of therapy. It was in those moments, sitting with real people and their real struggles, that I started to believe I could truly do this.
I never imagined that one day, I’d not only become an LCSW but that I’d take one of the biggest leaps of my career—opening my own private practice.
Starting my own practice was more than just a career move—it was a declaration of confidence in myself and my ability to create something meaningful. It was terrifying, exhilarating, and full of unknowns. Would I be able to sustain it? Would I find the right clients? Would people trust me enough to walk through my doors? I had spent years working under others, learning, growing, and proving myself, but stepping into ownership—building something of my own—was a whole new challenge.
And yet, despite the doubts, I did it. What once felt impossible became my reality. My practice grew, and eventually, I was in a position to hire employees—to create a space where other clinicians could thrive. The moment I realized I was no longer just working within a system but actively shaping one was overwhelming in the best possible way. This wasn’t just a job anymore. It was a legacy.
The past 13 years have been nothing short of chaotic—wonderful, yes, but chaotic. I have grown into a million different versions of myself in that time. Some of them were scared, impatient, overwhelmed, stubborn, and exhausted. But through all of it, I remained determined. I am so incredibly grateful for every step of this journey—every challenge, every late night, every self-doubt—because they led me here, to a career that not only fulfills me but meets a deep and genuine need in the world.
Becoming a therapist has changed me in ways I could never have anticipated. It has stretched me, humbled me, and challenged me in ways I probably would have avoided had I known what was coming. But because of that, I have learned to embrace discomfort, to sit in the unknown, and to meet both myself and others with greater empathy and compassion. My worldview has changed. The way I see myself has changed.
And still, even now, I have moments where I can’t quite believe that this is my life—that I get to do this work. That I get to sit with people in their most vulnerable moments, hear their stories, and walk alongside them in the wild, unpredictable unraveling of life. But even more than that, I get to do it in a space I built, in a practice that I poured my heart into—one that is now helping others grow, just as I have.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
On top of everything I’ve already mentioned, being a therapist through a global pandemic and today’s deeply polarized political landscape certainly wasn’t something I learned in school. There was no textbook chapter on holding space for others while simultaneously trying to process the same collective trauma myself. More often than not, I find my clients grappling with the very same fears, anxieties, and uncertainties that I, too, am working through in real-time.
It’s one thing to guide people through deeply human experiences—grief, life transitions, the unraveling of old identities, and the impact of trauma. But it’s something entirely different to sit with them in a shared struggle, to feel alongside them in a way that strips away the illusion of separation. The past few years have blurred the line between therapist and human in a way I never expected. I’ve had to learn, often the hard way, how to take better care of myself so that I can continue to show up fully for my clients.
Thankfully, just after grad school, I found a therapist of my own—someone wildly talented, endlessly patient, and deeply attuned. I truly can’t imagine what the last seven years would have been like without her steady presence, her loving kindness, and the way she has gently but persistently guided me back to myself. Having that kind of support has been life-changing—not just for me, but for the work I do every day. It has allowed me to keep showing up, even when the world feels heavy. It has reminded me that healing isn’t just something I facilitate for others—it’s something I, too, am still learning to embrace.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Hayzlett Counseling Co?
At Hayzlett Counseling Co., we offer a safe, supportive space for individuals seeking guidance and growth. Specializing in relational, personalized, and trauma-informed care, we support adults across the gender spectrum to embrace their authentic selves and build meaningful connections. Our therapists are trauma-informed and trained in approaches that prioritize safety, empowerment, and healing. We understand how past experiences shape present challenges, and we create a supportive space where clients can process their stories at their own pace. Using evidence-based modalities like EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, and other trauma-focused therapies, we help clients regain a sense of control, resilience, and self-compassion on their healing journey. We specialize in working with LGBTQUIA+ Folks, Ambiguous or Prolonged Grief, Chronic Health Conditions, Systematic Religious Trauma, Complex Relational Wounds, and Burnout for Professionals and Creatives. We offer sessions in person at our office in Inglewood, outdoor sessions around Nashville’s greenways, and virtual sessions across the state of Tennessee.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Vulnerability is one of the greatest risks we take as humans, yet it is also the gateway to deep connection and true authenticity. For so much of my life, I struggled with the fear of being truly seen, of letting down the walls I had built to protect myself. Through my therapy journey, I’ve had to learn, sometimes painfully, that living authentically isn’t about being fearless; it’s about choosing honesty even when fear is present. I’ve had to unlearn perfectionism, release the need for constant approval, and trust that who I am is enough. It hasn’t been easy. Vulnerability has left me feeling exposed at times, and there have been moments when it felt safer to retreat into old patterns of self-protection. But therapy has taught me that while vulnerability carries the risk of rejection and discomfort, it also holds the possibility of deep connection, healing, and freedom. The more I have embraced my own authenticity, the more I have been able to show up fully, not just for myself, but for my clients, my relationships, and the life I am building. The cost of vulnerability is real, but I’ve learned firsthand that the reward of living a life that is truly my own is more than worth it.
Pricing:
- LCSW $175/50 minutes
- LCSW $255/75 minutes
- LMSW $135/50 minutes
- LMSW $195/75 minutes
- Sliding scale avalible based on income/need.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hayzlettcounselingco.com
- Instagram: hayzlettcounselingco
