Therapists in Winchester, VA

Are you a woman who has found yourself going through a tough life transition and feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or even depressed? Are you looking for support to help you cope with not feeling like yourself, low self-confidence, parenting stress, or life as a newly postpartum mom? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, Psychotherapy for Women is available and ready to support you. Whether it's life stressors, relationships and parenting, pregnancy, grief and loss, anxiety and depression, low self-esteem, worry, limited support, or changes in mood, Psychotherapy for Women is here for you.

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.

Are you experiencing difficulty setting boundaries in relationships, understanding your feelings or needs, or coping with life stressors? Are you concerned that you may be suffering from depression, anxiety, trauma or bipolar disorder? Are you a parent concerned about your child or adolescent's behaviors or mood or wish to develop a new relationship with your child? Are you finding yourself in dissatisfying patterns at work and in relationships? Do you struggle with mood, thoughts or behaviors and wish to break the cycle?

It is not easy to ask for help, but in working with me you will find a safe, compassionate, and accepting space that fosters growth and personal development. For over 14 years now, I’ve had the honor, privilege, and opportunity to use my training, skills, and experience to try to make a positive difference in the lives of many people, from many different walks of life. By meeting people where they are, and not where they are expected to be, I empower my clients to lift themselves up. I help my clients turn difficulties into opportunities for personal growth and a more satisfying and rewarding life through promoting positive change.

I find great joy in investing in the lives of others. I consider it a privilege to facilitate counseling and be able to help people manage and navigate through difficult life experiences and transitions. I would like to walk alongside you through whatever challenges you may be currently experiencing. Whether you would like to work on processing past trauma, managing anxiety or depressed feelings, managing difficult relationships, developing coping skills or just have a listening ear from a neutral party – I can help.

EMDR Intensive Specialty. Heather studied Neuroscience/Psychology at Tulane University 2008 with Master's Neuroscience work and Master's Degree in Professional Counseling 2012. She has 21 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.

Life can be overwhelming and lead us to want change. Mental health concerns, worries, daily struggles, past traumatic experiences- so many things can pile on and reduce our window of tolerance. Often we struggle to find the next steps towards getting things to a more balanced state. In our time together, I will empower you to identify your needs and work towards achieving your goals in a warm and supportive environment. We will work to build openness and communication skills that help strengthen your natural supports. This is a space for you to work towards things being better- whatever better might look like for you.

I believe everyone is capable of living a life that brings them joy, happiness, and purpose- whatever that may mean to them. Too often, however, we are carrying the weight of stress, trauma, grief, regret, and shame with us as we try to push forward. Whether the effects of this weight is obvious, or you have adapted your life and identity to hide them, you deserve to be free to live your life in good health, with hope and happiness.

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.

Personal growth and a life fulfilled is what most people strive to achieve in this lifetime. But personal growth is NOT with out challenge.... Have you experienced a major life event such as the death of a loved one, loss of employment, divorce or retirement? Are you thinking...how do I create a "New Normal"? .... Are you feeling overwhelmed... don't know where to begin? Are you pondering if your emotional responses could be hindering a better life choice or change? When exploring your values and priorities...are they truly YOUR choices or are you trying to fulfill a role and please others?

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.