David Hay, MSW/LMSW

“A contributive life of giving hope to those who are suffering is a source of growth, fulfillment, learning, creativity, and solidarity.” — Daisaku Ikeda, Soka Gakkai International

I am a licensed clinical social worker providing therapy to adults and couples in Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, identity exploration, life transitions, relationships, sexuality, and patterns of high self-criticism. My therapeutic style is direct, compassionate, and collaborative. I value honesty and transparency, while offering deep empathy, nonjudgmental support, and a touch of humor. Clients often share that they feel both supported and thoughtfully challenged in our work together.

I hold a Master of Social Work in Interpersonal Practice and Global Social Work from the University of Michigan, as well as an MBA in Strategic Planning from the University of San Francisco. This combination allows me to bring both clinical depth and a broader strategic perspective to therapy—supporting clients as they navigate complex emotional, relational, and life transitions.

My approach is evidence-based and highly individualized, with a strong emphasis on somatic therapy. I help clients understand and work with the wisdom of their bodies, particularly in the context of trauma, attachment patterns, and stress. My work is informed by Attachment-Focused EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Somatic Experiencing, and Sex-Positive Therapy. I am deeply committed to affirming and inclusive care for individuals from diverse racial, cultural, religious, gender, and sexual orientation identities, including the LGBTQIA+ community. Together, we work toward greater resilience, alignment with personal values, and a more meaningful, authentic life.

My couples therapy work is grounded in Relational Life Therapy, supporting partners in strengthening connection, improving communication, and addressing patterns that create distance or conflict.

My clinical training includes work at the University of Michigan–Dearborn Counseling and Psychological Services, where I supported undergraduate and graduate students, as well as a practicum with Berry Street’s Take Two program in Melbourne, Australia, focused on children and family systems. I also volunteer with the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP), providing trauma support to first responders and survivors.

In addition to my clinical work, I have been deeply involved in activism to end gender-based violence, serving as a director and now advisor with V-Day and helping to launch the global One Billion Rising campaign. I also bring a diverse professional background in the performing arts, fashion, branding, and technology—experiences that inform my creativity, curiosity, and openness as a therapist.

Age range served: Children, adolescents, adults

Specialties: Anxiety, coping skills, depression, grief, career challenges, cultural identity, life transitions, relationship issues, gender identity, spirituality, sex therapy, trauma, and PTSD.

Therapeutic Orientation: Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, Family Systems, and Sex Positive Therapy.

Therapeutic Modality: Individuals, couples, families, and groups.