Heather's Treatment Philosophy
Heather's approach consists of providing a warm, comfortable atmosphere to help her clients feel connected and understood. Heather believes in engaging in a therapeutic relationship as a tool to assist her clients in deepening their treatment. Heather's framework is largely rooted in psychodynamic psychotherapy which focuses on discovering the symptoms of the issues at hand as well as its cause which will lead to long lasting change. Heather wants to assist her clients with changing how they think about life struggles to include better, more productive coping strategies that can also be used now and in the future.
Heather's Education, Training, and Experience
Heather graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor's in Psychology from the University in Central Florida. She then continued her education at Florida State University where she earned a Master's/Specialist Degree in Counseling and Human Systems, specialization Mental Health in 2001. She received her license as a Mental Health Counselor in 2004.
Heather has over ten years of in-depth psychoanalytic/psychodynamic training at the Contemporary Institute for Integrative Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis (CIIPP) in Sarasota, Florida. She attends monthly. She also attends a couples seminar yearly through the International Psychotherapy Institute. Heather has knowledge and experience about nutrition education and how it impacts psychotherapy and mental health needs.
Heather has over twenty years of clinical experience with adolescents and their families working in various settings to include child welfare, community based care, and currently private practice. She has also recently presented topics on stress management, increasing contentment in social/work groups, management team building, and the having a mindset for success. Heather is currently affiliated with the Contemporary Institute for Integrative Psychotherapy and Psychoanalysis, the International Psychotherapy Institute, and the American Counseling Association (ACA).
Heather specializes in couples therapy, adolescent play therapy, and family therapy. She also offers individual, family, and telehealth sessions. Heather believes that education, training, and experience are critical components in the development of an effective psychotherapist. Heather continues to be an active trainer at the advanced level because she is committed to life-long learning and the importance of being a great psychotherapist.