Heather Herpin
As your counselor, my priority and main goal is creating a safe, inclusive, and judgment-free space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. Therapy is a collaborative journey centered on your growth and healing, one where we explore meaningful goals, deepen self-awareness, and make sense of your experiences.
I understand the neurobiology of attachment theory and how it pertains to not only people, but also between people and their pets.
I will meet you where you are in your life journey and we will go through it at your pace, taking things as they come and building and enhancing skills to overcome not only the memories of the past but also current and future challenges.
First session
Our first session will give both of us the opportunity to begin to learn each other and start building a therapeutic rapport. Come prepared to talk about what you'd like to get out of therapy, what's worked and what hasn't if you've been through this before, where you'd like to be in the next 6-12 months, and any other questions you'd like to ask about me or what I do in order to feel more comfortable with me.
Strengths
Your treatment should be as unique as you are. I generally use an eclectic methodology or approach to treatment, focusing first on general principles that tend to come up with most clients I've worked with throughout the years. Understanding these basic principles to mental health and wellbeing tends to help individuals feel like they can get their feet back on the ground again, regardless if they are new to therapy or have been in and out of it most of their life. I am trained in trauma, mood and adjustment disorders, and coping with life transitions. I also am certified in equine facilitated psychotherapy (a methodology that heavily uses attachment theory), and frequently tap into CBT, DBT, ACT, and a plethora of other therapeutic approaches and theory- and strength-based methodologies across all populations I work with. I understand the neurobiology of attachment theory and how it pertains to not only people, but also between people and their pets. I have been known to encourage clients to use what they have around them to help regulate and heal themselves, including using their own pets as anchors to ground and regulate.
Ideal clients
I have worked almost exclusively with military, veterans, and their loved ones over the past 3 1/2 years and with those with persistent mental illness before in their home environments.
Treatment methods
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I use ACT pretty often in my sessions, especially when clients are feelings tuck in patterns of avoidance or getting caught up in difficult thoughts and emotions. I help them slow down and notice what they are experiencing without feeling like they have to immediately fix or get rid of it. We'll talk about what's important to them and what kind of life they want to be working toward, and then we look at small, realistic steps they can take in that direction. ACT is used to help clients build psychological flexibility and emotional capacity. In session, I help clients notice and make space for difficult thoughts and emotions rather than automatically avoiding or struggling with them. We explore their values, identify patterns that may be getting in the way, and develop practical, values-based actions they can take between sessions. I use techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive diffusion, acceptance, values clarification, and committed action, all while making it practical and fit to each individual client rather than making it feel like a structured exercise.
Attachment-based
I use attachment-based therapy to help clients understand how their past relationships and experiences can affect the way they relate to people today. We explore patterns around trust, closeness, boundaries, conflict, and fears of rejection or abandonment. I focus a lot on creating a safe and consistent therapeutic relationship through rhythmic patterned repetition so clients can feel comfortable exploring those patterns. Then we work together on recognizing their needs and developing healthier ways to communicate and connect with others.
Strength-Based
I use a strengths-based approach by helping clients recognize what they already do well and the strengths they already have, even when they may not see them themselves. We talk about what has helped them get through difficult situations in the past and how we can use those same strengths to work through what they are facing now. I try to focus not just on the problem, but also on the client's abilities, resources, and progress.
Compassion Focused
I use a compassion-focused approach by helping clients be a little more understanding and gentle with themselves, especially when they're dealing with a lot of self-criticism, shame, or difficult emotions. We talk about where that inner critic comes from and work on finding healthier ways to respond themselves. I also help clients develop skills to calm themselves, manage difficult emotions, and recognize that struggling doesn't mean there's something wrong with them.
Eclectic
I use an eclectic approach by drawing from different therapeutic techniques and approaches based on the individual needs and goals of each client on that day. I don't believe that one approach works for everyone all the time, so I tailor my interventions to what fits the client, their concerns, and where they are in the therapeutic process. This allows me to be flexible while still providing a thoughtful and intentional approach to treatment.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Christian
White
Woman
Top specialties
Life Transitions
Mood Disorders
Trauma and PTSD
Other specialties
ADHD
Coping Skills
Crisis Intervention
Family Conflict
Grief
Military/Veterans
Self Esteem
Suicidal Ideation
Women's Issues
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Licensed in
LouisianaLicense 7528
TexasLicense 100567