Trey Hicks, Counseling intern

The Beginning
Some of who we become is shaped by what we live through. My own life experiences taught me early what it feels like to carry things quietly, to navigate challenges without always having someone who understood. Rather than hardening me, those experiences opened something up. They gave me a deep sensitivity to what other people carry beneath the surface, and a genuine desire to be the kind of presence I once needed. Over time, I noticed that people felt safe with me. They opened up, they trusted me with hard things, and they left our conversations feeling a little lighter. Looking back, I understand now that those moments were the earliest signs of the counselor I am becoming.
The Journey
My path into this work has been shaped by a consistent pull toward understanding people, why we do what we do, how we heal, and what helps us move forward. I earned my bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Sociology, which gave me an early, honest look at the systems people move through and the circumstances that shape their lives. That foundation led me to work directly with youth and families in some of their most difficult moments, and it confirmed what I already sensed: that my calling was not just to understand people, but to walk alongside them. Today, I am completing my Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, refining my skills through my clinical field experience and preparing to serve clients with the full presence they deserve.
My Training
Before entering this field as a counselor, I spent years working closely with adolescents, families, and individuals facing real adversity, including young people navigating behavioral health challenges and those involved with the justice system. I have sat with people in crisis, supported families through instability, and learned how much strength it takes simply to keep going when life feels overwhelming. These experiences taught me that behind every difficult behavior or hard season is a person who wants to be understood. I have learned that effective counseling is not about fixing people, it is about joining them in a process of trust, vulnerability, and growth, and helping them see the capability that was there all along.
My New Journey

I see counseling as a shared journey rather than something I direct from the outside. My role is not to hand you answers, but to walk with you as we explore your story, make sense of your patterns, and move toward the life you want to build. Whether you are an adolescent trying to be understood, an adult carrying the weight of stress and life transitions, or someone working to move past a difficult chapter, I believe real change comes from within. My work is to help you access it. When life feels heavy or uncertain, counseling can become a space to breathe, to reflect, and to discover new possibilities you may not have seen before.
What You Can Expect From Me
I strive to offer a space where you feel accepted, respected, and genuinely heard, free of judgment and full of compassion. I meet people where they are, honoring their experiences and moving at a pace that feels safe. My approach focuses on helping you understand the patterns beneath the surface while building practical tools and strategies for real, lasting growth. I believe deeply in each person's ability to overcome, and my goal is not to change who you are, but to help you reconnect with the strengths that already live within you.