Meet Haileigh

Therapist. Educator. Dog mom. Champion of feelings—big, small, and everything in between.

Hi, I’m Haileigh Pettigrew

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified School Counselor, and play therapist-in-training—and the founder of Zoey’s Friends here in Houston.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent five years as an elementary school teacher, and I’ve worked in school counseling ever since. I’ve seen firsthand how kids, teens, and young adults struggle to make sense of their emotions, relationships, and the pressure to “hold it all together.” I built this practice to offer a space where they don’t have to—and where they can be supported with honesty, warmth, and a little bit of play along the way.

What It’s Like to Work With Me

Therapy with me is collaborative, playful, and deeply respectful. I show up as a real person—never cold or clinical—and I meet my clients where they are, whether that’s sitting on the floor building a Lego city, navigating a teen’s spiral of what-if thoughts, or helping a young adult make peace with who they are becoming.

I believe growth happens when we feel safe, seen, and supported. My role is to walk alongside you or your child with compassion, curiosity, and just the right tools to help things start to feel more manageable.

Some Things I Value

Building trust through consistency and kindness

Celebrating small wins

Helping kids express big feelings in playful, age-appropriate ways

Supporting teens as they learn to like themselves again

Guiding young adults through transitions without judgment

Working together with parents—because you're part of the process too

Outside the Therapy Room

When I’m not in session, you can usually find me hanging with Zoey—whether we’re out for a walk, relaxing at the beach, or just curled up on the couch. I love trying new recipes (and new restaurants), taking long bike rides, and listening to audiobooks—especially memoirs. I’m a big fan of seeing new movies, watching true crime or the latest binge-worthy series, and catching a good sporting event, either live or on TV.

Like a lot of the clients I work with, I’m always learning how to balance structure with joy, rest with movement, and routine with adventure. Therapy isn’t just something I do—it’s something I believe in.

My Background

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

  • Certified School Counselor (CSC)

  • Registered Play Therapist (in progress)

  • Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies – Texas State University

  • Master of Science in Counseling – Southern Methodist University

  • Professional experience as a teacher and school counselor in Dripping Springs ISD, Lewisville ISD, Coppell ISD, Houston ISD, and The Kinkaid School

  • Animal-Assisted Counseling Training – Texas State University’s AACA (with Zoey!)

  • Member of:

    • American Counseling Association (ACA)

    • American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

    • Association for Play Therapy (APT)