Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Therapists in Clarke County, VA

I specialize in child and family therapy with an emphasis in marriage counseling, but I am open to helping anyone that is looking for a way to improve their lives through understanding their emotions and how those emotions are affecting their behaviors and actions. I have been married for the past 16 years and have 5 children of my own, and I understand the common struggles of maintaining a working relationship with a spouse and with children. I spent 10 years working with the foster care system, and I spent the last 4 years supervising a school counseling program and conducting individual counseling for an array of individuals.

I am passionate about supporting individual and family's mental wellness by assisting adolescents and families with finding solutions to improve their relationships, mood and find more happiness within their lives. I specialize in supporting adolescents find solutions for next steps toward college and career success, manage their strong emotions such as anxiety, sadness and anger to have healthier relationships with their peers, teachers and within their families. In our counseling sessions we will focus on finding your goals for a more holistic health, better relationships and solutions for having peace and happiness in your life.

We're all different in the way we experience and manage life. I've always been interested in the wellness of others and have been blessed to witness people find recovery. If you're feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, worried, or sad, together we can discover or revisit the healthy options that you have to navigate those feelings. You've already taken a step in the right direction to manage those feelings by reaching out for help. Connection to others allows us to find peace and to improve quality of life. We can talk about what is going on in your life, what has worked in the past and what has not, and develop a plan to heal.

Accepting new clients. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or just feeling overwhelmed; feeling better is possible. Getting to know you and seeking to understand your needs is my number one priority. If you've been considering therapy, now is the time.

I believe that you came across this page for a reason. I know that reaching out for help can be a daunting process that takes a lot of courage. I am here to remind you that you have the strength and courage within you to take that next step!

I use an array of counseling theories and techniques along with play therapy, expressive art, therapeutic yoga, guided relaxation and other holistic approaches to help provide healing, wellness and integrated wholeness to my clients. Working collaboratively with other providers, I offer my clients a complete support system to promote self-growth, recovery, serenity and balance. I employ a full spectrum of cognitive behavioral and psycho-dynamic therapies; along with small group and individualized yoga, meditation, hypnosis and progressive relaxation to treat stress, depression, anxiety, OCD, insomnia, phobias, family changes, school issues, ADHD, self growth, and the navigation of life transitions and challenges.

Everyone faces challenges in life. At some point, you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns of thinking or behaving that no longer work for you. I believe counseling is a collaborative process, in which we will work together to address the barriers which may be holding you back from fully engaging in your life or achieving your true potential. Together we can identify your individual strengths and find the motivation to improve your life situation. I would be honored to be a part of your journey toward personal growth.

Together the client and I chart a treatment plan that supports the client in using their skills and my knowledge. I am currently working with PTSD and the effects of early trauma on adult functioning. I am also now able to offer LCSW supervision for licensure in the state of Virginia. My experience includes general mental health, workplace issues, marriage counseling, adolescent issues, schools issues, and drug and alcohol assessment and treatment.

Childhood and adolescence is such an important moment in life. At times, children need help navigating through life stages by learning to cope with challenges or life changes. I believe my role as a professional counselor is to develop supportive and collaborative relationships with clients in order to help foster growth and healing. I also offer parenting tools that can help build meaningful support for youth during their journey. I tailor the treatment process to meet the specific needs of each client and utilize creative and engaging therapeutic modalities.

Have you noticed your child, tween, or teen is isolating more? Expressing self-doubt and poor self-esteem? Feeling sad or angry? Not spending time with friends or feeling left out? Perhaps they have been arguing with you more or having anger outbursts at home? Changes in school, friends, or home life can cause worries or changes in their mood. As a teen or young adult, have you been feeling this way?

I'm so glad that you are reaching out. It's a big step to reach out for support during a difficult season of life, but a step that is so important. My goal is to make this healing process as comfortable as possible for you. I approach therapy as a partnership; you and I working together towards your goals. You are the expert of your own lived experience, and I know that you have strengths inside of you that can be used on your journey towards healing. I am here to walk with you on that journey; offering feedback, support and alternate ways of thinking along the way.

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.