Family Systems Therapists in Stephens City, VA

I bring 30 years of counseling experience to our time together. My orientation can best be described as eclectic, drawing from rogerian, cognitive behavioral and family systems theory and techniques. Our first session provides the opportunity to decide together whether I am best able to help you accomplish your goals. If you are unsure of who/what would best suit your needs, I will be glad to offer my help in finding the resources you ay need.

Are you having difficulty feeling satisfied? Living life to its fullest potential? Are you in need of guidance in relationships/career, and/or feeling life is not exactly what you had imagined it to be? We all experience periods of time in life when we feel more challenged in coping and feeling satisfied. I want to help! With 20+ years of experience working with students, adults, families, and all of the dynamics that are part of living a fulfilled life, I offer individual, couples, and family counseling services utilizing an eclectic pragmatic approach for my clients. I work with teens to seniors with many specialty areas. Call me!

Does self-doubt rob you of feeling a sense of contentment and stability you desire? Do feelings of shame obstruct your ability to feel worthy of a loving relationship with yourself and others? Are self-esteem and confidence drowned out by nagging thoughts of: "I'm not good enough", "I'm a failure", "I'm not worthy of love"? Life transitions and unexpected events can resurface embedded and unresolved traumas that stick with us and impact our emotional health later in life. Consequently you may find yourself overwhelmed by feelings of stress, anxiety and disconnection, unable to find a sense of peace and balance.

Young adults face many life transitions, such as identity exploration, planning for future education and career, and relationship challenges. Their therapeutic needs are personal and unique to their overall goals and view of life. Exploring trauma, addressing identity issues, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and creating a new narrative for success are all part of effective psychotherapy.

I am passionate about supporting the healing of individuals, couples (partnered or married), and families. My clients come from all walks of life, ages and life’s circumstances. I work compassionately with Bariatric Clients. As a LGBTQIA+ affirming and anti-oppression informed practitioner, my work is client centered..."I meet you where you are." Identifying and healing the unconscious emotions, desires and needs leads to making life changes. A safe environment, without judgment, is vital for a strong therapeutic relationship and growth through therapy.

Throughout life most of us experience transitions that challenge and transform us. Many of these passages can be navigated more effectively with the knowledge and compassion of an experienced professional. Combining Jungian psychology, family systems, humanistic psychology, modern neuroscience and mindfulness, I bring my full attention and presence to the sacred work of healing mind, body and heart with each client. In addition to traditional therapy, dream-work and creative expressions such as art, poetry, music and dance facilitate healing and growth. Relaxation and meditation techniques assist with grounding and centering.

Heather studied Neuroscience/Psychology at Tulane University 2008 with Master's Neuroscience work and Master's Degree in Professional Counseling 2012. She has 22 years of experience in the mental health field. She has extensive experience in abuse and trauma work as well as the neurological etiology of trauma related disorders. She has worked in a variety of settings and is certified in EMDR through EMDRIA and is a Consultant/Facilitator in Training. Heather gives seminars through EMDRIA on the neurobiology of dissociative trauma. Therapy includes the 8 phases of EMDR with multi-therapeutic interventions.