Today we’d like to introduce you to Hayley Eglash.
Hi Hayley, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As many are, my story is one that starts from both the pains and the joys of childhood experiences. Although rather amicable, the pivotal experience of growing up in a home shaped by divorce, led me to quickly learn the art of self-reliance. Independence became my armor, and anxiety was the undercurrent that drove me to achieve, please, and stay in control. Like many Gen Z and millennial women, I carried the belief that I had to handle everything on my own—until I realized that true strength isn’t about doing it all alone; it’s about knowing when to lean in, connect, and heal.
That realization led me to therapy, both as a client and eventually as a clinician. Now, as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (#152994), I specialize in supporting women who, like me, have felt the weight of hyper-independence and anxiety, helping them create space for self-compassion, balance, and healthier relationships. I also work with couples, guiding them through the complexities of connection, communication, and trust—things I once struggled to understand in many of own relationships.
I believe that healing starts with feeling seen and understood, and I strive to create a space where my clients can drop the pressure to “have it all together” and instead explore what they truly need to feel safe, supported, and fulfilled. My approach is warm, direct, and deeply rooted in the belief that we rise stronger when we allow ourselves to grow from a solid foundation.
If you’re ready to move from survival mode to a life that feels more connected, calm, and intentional, I’d love to walk alongside you in that journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Becoming a licensed therapist requires completing a master’s degree and subsequently 3,000 hours of clinical work—an intense process that tests not only professional skills but also emotional endurance. While I felt immense gratitude for the group private practice where I completed these hours, this process was often a tiring juggling act between seeing clients, attending supervision, and catching up on paperwork. I often felt the pressure to “get it right” or not make mistakes — the young parts of me that feared not being “good enough,” or not knowing all the answers often showed up in these moments!
Beyond the emotional and financial strain, there’s the challenge of navigating systems that aren’t always supportive. Finding quality supervision, securing placements that offer diverse clinical experience, and managing a heavy caseload while maintaining personal well-being at times felt like a never-ending balancing act. And because hyper-independent people often struggle to ask for help, it was easy to feel moments of isolation, even while working in a profession built on connection.
Then comes the transition to business ownership—an entirely different challenge! After years of clinical training, suddenly, I was expected to understand marketing, finances, and legal logistics. Building a private practice means stepping out of the comfort zone of structured workplaces and taking risks. For someone used to self-reliance, the temptation to “do it all” can lead to burnout fast. Learning to outsource, set boundaries, and embrace imperfection has become just as crucial for me as providing quality care to clients. I have learned to ask questions, connect with others in the field, and feel peace with not having all of the answers.
Despite the challenges, there has been a deep sense of fulfillment in creating a practice that aligns with my values and serves the people who need it most. The journey hasn’t easy, but I would absolutely do it again in a heartbeat!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Root to Rise Counseling Collective was built on the belief that healing starts from the ground up. For women who have spent their lives carrying everything alone, struggling with anxiety, or feeling disconnected in relationships, the work is about creating the safety and support needed to truly grow.
I offer individual therapy for primarily Gen Z and millennial women who feel stuck in survival mode—constantly over-functioning, overthinking, and feeling like they can’t let go of control. Using EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), I help process past experiences that fuel anxiety and self-doubt, to break free from patterns that no longer are serving. With IFS (Internal Family Systems), I help folks explore the different “parts” of themselves—the one who pushes through, the one who doubts, the one who longs for rest—to promote shifts from inner conflict to self-compassion.
For those navigating relationships, I offer couples therapy rooted in EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) to help build deeper emotional security. Whether a couple is struggling with communication, trust, or feeling disconnected, we work to break unhealthy patterns and create relationships that feel safe, supportive, and deeply connected.
At Root to Rise, I know that hyper-independence and anxiety can make asking for help feel uncomfortable. But healing doesn’t happen in isolation—it happens in connection. I am proud to help serve those ready to stop just “getting by” and help them start feeling more grounded, calm, and authentically themselves.
I am accepting new clients in-person in San Diego (Mission Valley) and virtually across California.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Starting out as a therapist is both exciting and overwhelming, especially when faced with the 3,000-hour licensure requirement and the eventual leap into private practice (if that’s your chosen path!). It’s a long road, and if you’re someone who struggles with anxiety and hyper-independence, the pressure to “do it all” perfectly can be exhausting.
One of the biggest lessons? You don’t have to know everything. Supervision isn’t just a requirement—it’s a lifeline. Lean into it. Ask questions, admit when you’re unsure, and remind yourself that growth happens through experience, not perfection.
Burnout is real, especially when juggling a new field, paperwork, and emotional labor. Prioritize rest and boundaries early on, even when it feels like you “should” be doing more. Learning to protect your own energy is just as important as supporting your clients.
If private practice is your goal, understand that being a great therapist and being a great business owner are two different skill sets. Marketing, finances, and logistics can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. Invest in mentorship, seek out community, and remember—just like healing, building a career is a process. You’re allowed to take it one step at a time!
Pricing:
- $175 Individual 55 MInute Sessions
- $195 Couples 55 Minute Sessions
- In-Network Insurance: Aetna
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.roottorise-co.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/root.to.rise_co
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/1108013
