Real-world coaching from Young people who have been through it.

100% real experiences, real insight, the real deal.

We help young people play a more active and direct role in their own progress.

We are young adult coaches who connect to the next generation because we have overcome similar challenges and have actually been through it.

Drawing from our own life experiences and training as coaches, we work with every client and their family to develop a fully customized, experiential program that uniquely caters to your goals, personality, and current mental, physical, emotional, academic, and career hurdles.

Forget the once-a-week therapy session. We cheer you on and help you tackle challenges in the moment. Get relatable support and actionable tools, 7 days a week.

  • Most of the time, we’re our own worst critic.

    We show you how to flip the script and become your own biggest fan. Because we’ve picked ourselves up and rebuilt our self-esteem throughout our 20s, we have it down to a science, tailored to young adults.

    Together, we identify your patterns of negative self-talk and practice simple strategies to change the story you’re telling yourself about your life.

    We aren’t giving you the generic strategies we’ve all seen on TikTok. We’ve tested and used our methods in our own daily lives for years. We know exactly what works and what doesn’t.

    We’re here for you 7 days a week between coaching sessions to cheer you on, get you out of your own head, and change tactics as needed. No matter where you’re starting from, we’ll get you to a place where you can handle anything life throws at you.

  • We work with you every step of the way to create a life you’re excited about living.

    No matter where you’re starting out, we help you set achievable goals and stay accountable on your journey. We meet you where you’re at.

    Need help structuring and making the most out of your gap year? We got you. Applying to colleges? We’re on it. Getting your dream internship or that first job? We’ve been there, and we know exactly what to do.

    We help you reframe how you approach school or your early career to increase motivation, build confidence in your abilities, and find that sweet spot where your interests and skills intersect.

    We are trained in executive functioning coaching so that we can best help every client achieve their goals. We have extensive experience working with young people with learning challenges, ADHD, and ASD.

  • One of the most important things to have as a young person is a non-judgmental group of friends who can lean on each other amidst their struggles and bad days.

    We practice creating vulnerable, supportive relationships in Not Therapy’s online peer support community, then apply these principles to new and existing friendships in the real world.

    We can phase out any friends you feel are toxic and help you build solid relationships with uplifting, supportive friends instead.

    No matter where your IRL friendships stand currently, you automatically get a built-in network of encouraging friends who understand what you’re going through.

    We help you navigate relationships and social situations in the moment. No more waiting until that weekly therapy session - text us in real time, and we’ll get you through it.

  • We work with each new client to create a safe space to learn about and express emotions without judgment.

    We build trust by practicing radical authenticity and sharing our own lived experiences openly and frequently.

    We’ll explore different self-care and coping strategies until we identify the most important things for your own mental well-being.

    This often involves establishing a personalized daily routine to regularly do the things that are most important to maintain a solid foundation for your own mental health.

    We’re here to support you and keep you on track every day. We’re in this thing together.

  • Ever keep yourself up at night thinking, who even am I? What the **** do I want to do with my life???

    WE FEEL YOU. We’ve been there…so many times. Don’t worry - we’re on it.

    We help you dig into any facet of your identity that you want to explore, might struggle with, or feel makes you so different that you doubt you’ll ever find where you belong.

    Together, we’ll uncover the realest version of yourself by exploring new and existing passions, activities, places, and causes you care about.

    We know how to find people in your local community who can relate to you and are doing the things you enjoy. We’ll find you that dance class you’ve wanted to sign up for. We’ll figure out where all the [insert niche here] girlies hang out and show you how to join the group.

    P.S. - We’ve had to do all this for ourselves, in multiple different cities all over the world, countless times, throughout our 20s. And we’ll have to do it again. Since we’ve already done all the hard work for you, let us give you the shortcuts.

we’re not therapists.

That’s by design.

Hayley caddes

Co-Founder & Certified Young Adult Coach

  • Hayley Caddes is a certified life coach on a mission to empower young people to transform their lives and unlock their true potential. With over a decade of experience in improving mental health, both for herself and for young women, her philosophy is clear: mental health shouldn’t be depressing, and no one should face their struggles alone.

    In her teenage years, Hayley battled undiagnosed mental illness, social anxiety, substance abuse, and self-destructive behaviors. But at 16, she embarked on a transformative journey, completing her high school education at a therapeutic boarding school after attending a wilderness program.

    Despite these early challenges, she earned a BS and MS in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University and built a successful career in STEM. Drawing from her personal experiences, she changed course and founded Chill Pill, a peer support mental health platform for Gen Z women, backed by over $2 million in venture capital.

    After her first company, Hayley launched her coaching business to address another gap in the mental health space. She provides clients with a unique experience not found in clinical settings: day-to-day guidance and mentorship from someone relatable, like the supportive big sister she wished she had throughout the ups and downs of being a young adult.

    Hayley’s deep understanding of her clients’ journeys enables her to help them set achievable goals, develop personalized coping strategies, and build a support system within their real-world environments. Her approach is characterized by authenticity and transparency, empowering young people to actively participate in their progress, uncover their motivations, boost self-confidence, and create a life they’re passionate about living.

    • BS & MS in Chemical Engineering from Columbia University

    • Math, Chemistry, & Physics tutor for high school & college students

    • Lead Data Scientist at Decode_M - boutique brand strategy firm

    • Director of The Knowledge Society (New York) - STEM & entrepreneurship coaching for high school students

    • Fundraised $2m+ in venture capital and founded Chill Pill, an online peer support mental health company for Gen Z

    • Thriving and living her best life in NYC

Colin Macdonald

Co-Founder & Certified Young Adult Coach

  • Colin MacDonald is not just a Certified Life Coach; he is a transformational guide poised to propel you towards a life of empowerment and fulfillment. With a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from Eastern Washington University, Colin boasts an impressive background in professional sports and a stellar track record of nurturing high-performing sales teams in the tech industry before stepping into life coaching.

    However, Colin’s journey is not your typical success story; it’s a testament to resilience and personal growth. As a teenager, Colin grappled with the formidable challenges of depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. His path was marked by multiple stints in treatment facilities, starting at the age of 15. His pivotal transformation unfolded during a two-year period of self-discovery, which included wilderness therapy and therapeutic boarding school.

    Colin’s mission as a life coach was born from his deeply personal journey. He’s committed to guiding individuals facing similar struggles, offering them a path towards a brighter future. His unique life experiences have endowed him with unparalleled empathy and insight, as he understands the journey his clients undertake.

    Colin’s expertise shines in areas such as executive functioning, parent coaching, and future planning. He aspires to be the unwavering friend, mentor, and source of inspiration that he wished he had during and after his own transformative journey. By working with Colin, you’ll harness the power to craft a future that not only motivates but genuinely inspires you.

    • BA in Communications from Eastern Washington University

    • Sales Account Exec for the Seattle Mariners front office

    • Sales Development Team Lead at Submittable - social impact software

    • Business Development Team Lead at multiple B2B software companies

    • Life Coach at Spain Abroad - gap year program for young adults

    • Living his best life in Denver

we aren’t

superficial

removed

serious

clinical

unapproachable

we are

supportive

understanding

humorous

human

Down to earth

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It…

  • Colin is an exceptional life coach and has been instrumental in guiding and supporting our 18-year-old through a challenging and resistant phase of life. Under Colin's guidance, our son has undergone a remarkable transformation.

    What sets Colin apart is his deep understanding of teenagers, rooted in personal experiences, allowing him to adapt coaching techniques to individual needs. His sessions go beyond offering advice; they encourage self-discovery and empower our teenager to take ownership of decisions. Colin has created a safe, non-judgmental space, fostering a trusting relationship that forms the foundation for their work together.

    Colin's unwavering commitment and focus on long-term growth rather than short-term fixes have equipped our son with tools and a mindset for success. Colin has laid the foundation for a future filled with confidence, purpose, and a positive outlook, leaving a lasting impact on our family.

    -Lisa & Howard W. (Parents of 18 yr old, Maine)

  • Hayley is one of the strongest women I have in my life. She engraved in my brain that I am actually someone who can make a big impact, even though I've had a lot of failure the last few years.

    When I started college, I had no clear path and felt completely lost. Somehow, Hayley just knew how to help me figure out the answer, with an approach I never would have expected or come up with on my own. I think that says a lot about Hayley - her unique experiences, which not a lot of people go through, give her a different perspective that shapes how she gives advice that actually works.

    I’ve realized it's extremely rare to come across someone like Hayley because she's super real, non-judgmental, and understands what it's like to be a young woman with a lot of potential but also a lot of internal obstacles. She helped me make new friends who aren't competitive and catty, which completely changed my college experience. She’s a mentor who cares about me but doesn't sugarcoat things so that I can reach my goals sooner.

    -Gianna T. (19 yr old, New York City)

  • Colin is an excellent life coach and has been a positive influence on our son, who never really found the right person to help guide him until meeting Colin.

    His ability to connect with young adults and relate to them is really special. He has been able to help our son set and keep goals and prioritize what’s most important to him. He's helped our son become more self-aware.

    Colin has been extremely supportive during a very challenging time in our son’s life and has gone above and beyond to show him what it means to be a kind, successful and responsible human. I don’t know where we would be without Colin’s guidance, support and friendship.

    -Laura F. (Parent of 18 yr old, San Francisco)

  • I'll never forget when Hayley said to me, "The fact that other people believe in you more than you believe in yourself is the biggest thing holding you back." This literally blew my mind, because I thought that's just how everyone feels. So we set a goal for me to become my #1 biggest cheerleader, where NO ONE believes in me more than I believe in myself. I never thought that was an achievable goal for me, but because Hayley is super open and shared that she's been through similar things to me, and I see how she's built an amazing life even though she can still have bad days, I instantly believed her. Every week I work with her, I feel like I’m starting to love myself more and more.

    Working with Hayley is like having a big sister who gives advice that actually works because she figured out how to get through the same things I'm going through right now.

    -Addie M. (20 yr old, Pittsburgh)

  • Colin's dedication and passion for helping students reach their full potential are truly commendable. In just a short period, he managed to create a transformative experience for our students, inspiring them to discover and achieve their goals.

    Colin's motivational approach and insightful guidance have made a lasting impact on the young adults in the program. His ability to connect with individuals and tailor his coaching to their unique needs is truly impressive. It's evident that Colin is not just a coach but a mentor who genuinely cares about the personal growth and success of each student.

    I wholeheartedly recommend Colin to anyone seeking a life coach for themselves or their loved ones!

    -Johnny Tock (Owner, Spain Abroad)

  • Hayley is that non-judgmental friend we all need. I have seen a significant improvement in my mental health since working with her. I feel safe sharing on topics I'm usually too scared to talk to anyone about, because I don't feel the pressure of being judged or doubted like I sometimes do with my therapist and my friends.

    Hayley helps me take more action in helping myself, and I feel less alone and isolated because I know she's there for me every single day and genuinely cares about what's going on in my life. She inspires me to want to improve and do better because she's been through hard times like I have, and now she uses that to help people like me. She helped me see that I am my own person, and I know I can become whoever I want to be.

    Since working with Hayley, I’ve also learned to become more open about my opinions and emotions with my family, which has made me feel so much happier.

    -Mae T. (18 yr old, Los Angeles)

the path to SUCCESS isn’t one size fits all.

You need a tutor for your college calc class, but also a new therapist, but also a personal trainer, and maybe a meditation coach, and possibly a grad school admissions consultant? Think of us as your personal success & wellness concierge. We’re on it.

📞 Call Us when…

Therapy just hasn’t been the right fit.

Maybe you haven’t found a therapist who gets you. Maybe you aren’t seeing the progress you hoped for. We’ve all been there.

When working with us, you can expect a realness you don’t get with most clinical approaches. Because we’ve been in your shoes, we show you how to take therapy out of the office and into the real world.

We are uplifting, reassuring mentors who remind you that improvement is possible, even on the toughest days. We’re here to listen when you need to vent, seven days a week. We’re here to give actionable advice - that we’ve tested in our own lives - seven days a week. We help you set tangible goals in all areas of your life, create a plan to get there, and keep you on track so you’re not doing this thing alone.

transitioning from Wilderness or Therapeutic Programs BACK to the real world. 🌎

You’ve just been on a unique, transformative journey, but you’re burnt out on therapy. Your family and friends are supportive, but very few people understand the experience you’ve been through.

Don’t worry - we gotchu. We have been through our own transformative journeys in wilderness programs, hospitals, therapeutic boarding schools, and RTCs.

We know exactly what it’s like to transition from those environments to high school, college, and beyond. We’ve had to pick ourselves up countless times. We help you build on your momentum and integrate your hard work into the real world.

We’re here to listen, inspire, share what we’ve learned, and be the mentors we wish we had when we were in your shoes.

YOU DON’T KNOW WHERE ELSE TO TURN.

You’re a young person, or the parent of a young person, and you feel like you need more support but have exhausted all your options or don’t know where to start.

Even if you don’t work directly with our mentors, we’re here to help you build a highly personalized local support team. Not Therapy has an extensive network of therapists, physical and mental health specialists, tutors, consultants, doctors, and everyone in between.

relatable support. actionable tools.

7 days a week.

Personalized Coaching

Private virtual and in-person sessions fully customized for each client’s needs with a coach who’s been in your shoes.

We lift the veil on what’s going on inside there (🧠) & equip you with sustainable skills for life.

Peer Support

Online peer support groups give clients a space to vent, learn, and improve with young people who lift each other up.

Our community is a safe, digital space to escape, heal, and build meaningful friendships.

Family Focused

Parents receive personalized support to cultivate a positive family culture of growth for long-lasting results.

Build a healthy parent-child relationship based on trust and honest communication.

Real World Practice

Coaching sessions happen in the real world instead of at home or in a stuffy office.

We practice new skills in real-time while grabbing a coffee, going on a walk, or doing a favorite activity together.

start your journey.

Build a life you’re passionate about living with not therapy.

Please fill out the inquiry form to schedule a free, no-strings-attached consultation call with Hayley and Colin.

We can’t wait to meet you!

What to expect:

  • Two 45-minute virtual coaching sessions per week

    OR

    One 90-minute in-person coaching session per week (New York Tri-State Area and Denver clients)

  • Your coach will check in with you on your plans and goals each day via text.

    We see how you’re doing, help you stay on track towards your goals, hold you accountable for your commitments, and cheer you on.

  • Coaches are always available for clients on their schedule. No more once-a-week meetings with no contact in between - we are here to help you solve your daily problems in real time.

    Whether it’s running to and from classes or you need to get something off your chest, clients have access to unlimited texting and video calls with their coach 7 days a week, most hours of the day.

  • For clients where family involvement is desired:

    One monthly parent call to update you on your child’s progress and to set parent goals that support your child’s goals.

    Everything your child says in sessions is confidential, but we’re here to bridge gaps in communication, provide guidance, and connect parents to the resources you need to best support your child, regardless of whether or not they live at home.

    We’re available to parents via text and phone call 7 days a week in case of questions, if a crisis arises, or if you need help supporting your child in the moment.

    We offer this to parents who are sponsoring their child’s coaching and want to be involved in the process.

  • Not Therapy coaches can provide standalone support, but we also love to work in tandem with therapists and other professionals. It’s up to each client and their family to decide how closely they want us to collaborate with anyone on their existing support team.

    In all cases, we collaborate closely with our clinical advisors to ensure you get the support you need. They provide their clinical expertise behind the scenes so that we can connect you to the right resources when you require an additional level of care beyond what we can provide as coaches.

    If you are transitioning out of a therapeutic program, we recommend starting with us at least a month before you leave. We work with you, your parents, therapists, educational consultants, and the rest of your team to plan a smooth transition while getting to know each other.

  • We only work with a small number of clients at a given time.

    We can guarantee a dedicated connection with you and your family by prioritizing a select number of clients. This allows us to offer highly customized services tailored to your needs, challenges, and aspirations, fostering significant growth for each client.

    Please note that we charge premium fees for coaching because we offer a premium, full-service experience that, to our knowledge, no other young people with our unique therapeutic and professional backgrounds offer. In most cases, we work on a monthly retainer.