A Legacy of Storytelling and Service
Laurette Hayden has forged a remarkable path, seamlessly blending a high-powered career in Hollywood with a deep commitment to mental health and healing. Her journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and the enduring desire to connect with others, whether through the art of storytelling or the practice of therapy.
Born into Hollywood royalty, she first made her mark as a television executive, shaping narratives that reached millions. Later, she answered a different calling, transforming her focus to become a respected therapist and advocate for mental wellness. This unique trajectory from crafting on-screen drama to navigating real-life emotional landscapes defines her inspiring legacy.
Hollywood Roots and an Ivy League Education
Laurette Hayden was born on July 19, 1958, in the heart of the entertainment world, Los Angeles, California. Her parents were the legendary Academy Award-winning actress Eva Marie Saint and the accomplished director Jeffrey Hayden. Growing up in such a creative environment, storytelling was a part of her daily life.
Despite her proximity to fame, Laurette pursued a rigorous academic path. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, a testament to her sharp intellect and analytical mind. This foundation would serve her well in both of her future careers, providing a unique blend of artistic sensibility and scholarly discipline.
Crafting Narratives as a Television Executive
In the 1980s, Laurette embarked on a successful career in the television industry. She quickly rose through the ranks, holding influential positions as Vice President of Original Movies at both HBO and Lifetime Television. Her keen eye for compelling stories and her understanding of audience engagement made her a powerful force in the industry.
Her career culminated in her appointment as Senior Vice President of Long-Form Programming at USA Network in 2004. In this role, she was responsible for developing and overseeing the production of original movies and miniseries. Her work included impactful projects like “My Very Best Friend” and “Just Ask My Children,” which explored complex human relationships and moral dilemmas.
A New Chapter: The Transition to Mental Health
In the early 2000s, after a thriving career in television, Laurette felt a pull toward a more direct form of service. She decided to pivot from telling stories on screen to helping individuals rewrite their own life narratives. This marked the beginning of her journey into the field of mental health.
Driven by a passion for understanding the human mind, she returned to academia, earning a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University. She further honed her skills with post-graduate work at the Institute of Contemporary Psychoanalysis, preparing her for the profound work of a therapist.
An Integrative Approach to Healing
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Laurette Hayden has built a practice grounded in empathy and a diverse therapeutic toolkit. She is also a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), focusing on the mind-body connection in healing trauma. Her approach is integrative, drawing from a range of modalities to meet the unique needs of each client.
Her specializations include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She has worked as a clinical specialist at UCLA’s Department of Neurology and as a mental health consultant for the Epilepsy Foundation, demonstrating her commitment to serving diverse communities.
Personal Life and Enduring Family Bonds
Throughout her dynamic career, Laurette has remained deeply connected to her family. She was married to writer and producer Miles Beller, with whom she has a son, Eli Charles Beller. Her close relationship with her mother, Eva Marie Saint, is often seen at public events, showcasing the strong bonds that have supported her throughout her life.
Her ability to balance a demanding professional life with her personal commitments speaks to her resilience and her deep-seated values. She has navigated the complexities of a public-facing life with grace, always prioritizing the well-being of her family.
The Enduring Impact of Laurette Hayden
Laurette Hayden’s life and career offer a powerful example of how one can successfully merge different passions to create a meaningful impact. Her work in television brought compelling stories to a wide audience, while her work in therapy has brought healing and hope to individuals and families.
Her legacy is one of both storytelling and service, a reminder that the skills used to craft a narrative can also be used to help others find their own voice. Through her dual careers, she has demonstrated a profound commitment to the human experience in all its complexity.
