**IMMEDIATE OPENINGS-WEEKEND AND EVENINGS** for young adults, career-aged individuals and seniors. I specialize in treating Serious and Persistent Mental Illnesses along with other mood disorders, depression, anxiety and stress. I also have special interest in postpartum issues and parenting children who are differently-abled. In addition to my MSW, I hold an MDiv which equips me to provide a Christian counseling experience for those desire to have their spirituality incorporated into their their treatment. I utilize a person-centered approach which allows my clients to openly share the concerns leading them to seek out therapy.

Sometimes life gets complicated, making it hard to move forward. As a clinical psychologist, I am uniquely qualified to offer support and respectful care in a comfortable, safe environment. I treat a variety of mental health issues. Perhaps I can help you. This is YOUR time to unpack some of the baggage that is burdening you, and to develop the tools that give YOU the ability to move ahead intentionally. Life is a journey. It is my privilege to join you along the way, helping you find the path to a better quality of life.

I have over ten years of experience providing psychological and counseling services in outpatient and residential treatment settings. I have had the privilege to work with many individuals, couples and families struggling with a variety of challenges, and have specialized training in a range of psychological treatment options. An initial phone conversation is welcomed.

My goal is to create a comfortable and safe environment where you can creatively express yourself! I focus on the whole person and use a mix of techniques including mindfulness and creative expression to address a variety of issues. We will work together to set goals and create steps to achieve those goals. Adults that I sit with typically struggle with life transitions, daily stress, trauma, parenting difficulties, depression and/or anxiety related issues. In my work with children, I incorporate caregivers and/or families into sessions regularly because I believe that caregivers play a critical role in a child's development.

I believe therapy should take place in a safe, supportive, empowering, and confidential environment. Clients are active in the process, exploring areas including feelings, beliefs, and behaviors while working through personal history and identifying aspects of their lives they wish to change. Clients take a journey to better understanding of themselves and others. We will set personal goals, and work together toward desired change through reflection, processing and skill building. When working with children I work with the child individually and also invite parents/guardians into session to learn skills to utilize at home to support the child with change.

Our challenges in life are opportunities for growth. At times we need support, a new perspective, and skills to navigate these. With 35 years of psychotherapy practice, my work now reflects our mind-body-spirit wholeness and its inherent potential for well-being. I offer a particular view and skill set that help you understand your unique experiences, influences, and patterns. With deeper understanding and acceptance, you can form a positive foundation to open to what is next in your life. I work with a variety of concerns including stress, life transition, relationship, grief, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.

In a relationship with a partner that leaves you despairing or giving up? Trying to raise a child who melts down over what seems like nothing? Feeling that parts of yourself won't let you move on and experience life as you'd like? How we connect with others, ourselves, or even our spiritual resources can be life-giving or exasperating. I specialize in attachment---the way we connect with those most important to us. I will meet you where you are. I'll work hard to understand what you are experiencing.

As a holistic-minded therapist who works with both individuals and couples, I see the counseling process as an opportunity to examine old ways of relating to oneself and explore new ways of interacting. I use a whole-body approach to guide clients in becoming more self-aware and finding the strength to initiate long-term positive change for themselves. With couples, my goal is to improve intimacy and commitment using a research-based approach that identifies your strengths, and models healthy relationship patterns. I will walk with you as we navigate creating new interactions and a happier, stronger partnership.

I am currently accepting new clients! My goal is to help everyone be the very best version of themselves. I will walk beside you in your journey and create a safe space to share, heal, and create a life that is meaningful to you. It is a tremendous honor to witness and be a part of each individual's growth and work towards serenity.

The hardest step in change is asking someone for help. Therapy is a collaborative, coaching, and self-building journey where we work together to accomplish your desired goals. I enjoy working with men and women on depression, anxiety, men's issues, self-esteem, relationship challenges, obesity and weight loss, chronic pain, and long-term disabilities such as visual impairment.

I work with preteens, teens, and adults and offer evening and weekend appointments to fit into a busy work or school schedule (evening and weekend spots fill quickly and are not guaranteed!)

Starting or returning to counseling is rarely easy; it often means that you are facing a challenge that does not have a simple solution. Sharing what is on your mind may be a relief, but for many people, it is also anxiety provoking. Whether your concerns are present-focused or have roots in the past, we can create a space where you can process and grow through the obstacles you are facing. Areas in which I have special knowledge include grief and loss, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma. During sessions, you can expect me to express empathetic understanding, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness.

We go to doctors for check-ups, but we sometimes leave our mental health for last on our list:) I believe therapy should be fun and enlightening, highlighting what strengths you already possess to help you with life's barriers. Combined with my education, humor and understanding of human behavior, your goals can be met in a brief, solution-focused amount of time.

If you have experienced trauma or events that have been very disruptive to your life EMDR therapy can bring you significant relief. If you feel hopeless that life can get better, or find yourself sabotaging your own successes, EMDR therapy is a great approach. I specialize in working with first responders and Veterans, and I help people with sexual and substance addictions as well. As an adoptive parent in the trenches, I am an expert in parenting issues related to fostering and adoption. I am here to help if you are considering making a change or need support trying to figure out what needs to change.

No one understands what you are going through like you do. In therapy, I believe it is important for a person to tell their own story, and the therapist's job to use their knowledge to empower individuals by identifying strengths in a person's environment. With previous work experience in healthcare, I enjoy working with children, teenagers, and adults with histories of complex trauma, addictions, grief, sexual health, and complex medical histories.

Thank you for visiting! Seeking the help that you need can be hard so give yourself a “pat on the back” for taking the first step. As a behavioral health provider I am happy to partner with you to achieve your goals. I view each individual as unique, distinct and capable of greatness. I provide a holistic approach to care, addressing the relationship between the mind, body and spiritual condition, Let's work together to achieve the Best You!

Action oriented, directive, and goal driven. I specialize in working with clients who feel angry, agitated, and easily triggered. Those who feel stuck, anxious, and depressed. And those who feel trapped or unfulfilled within in a relationship. I work with clients to develop an individualized plan to create change within their current life situation. I implement accountability into the counseling process, establishing check-ins with clients to ensure progress and success.

I help clients get to the root of their issues through the evidenced base and life approaches, be it life changes, midlife crises, or just need to get back on track. This is all done through a person-centered approach where we focus on the needs and desires of the client. Goals are attainable in any case, I only ask for honesty reflection of self.

Welcome! My name is Heather, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing at Thriveworks Counseling in Portage. My passion is to help others who are struggling with different aspects of their lives, and I consider it a privilege to help you along your journey! I enjoy facilitating my clients change toward positive and healthy solutions in order to help them live their best life. I use a collaborative approach in order to include my clients in their treatment process, and I work to provide clients with tailored treatment plans that can be integrated into their daily lives.

Welcome! I'm looking forward to working with you as part of the Thriveworks team here in Portage! I am passionate about helping my clients achieve their goals and being part of their individual journey. I have a particular interest in the areas of substance abuse and marriage and family therapy. I have experience working with a wide variety of clients including women, men, couples and families.