Congratulations on getting this far and reading my profile. Taking the first step to start or resume therapy can feel overwhelming and I understand how scary it can be. My own life journey has brought me to the passion I have for helping others navigate the human experience. In my therapeutic work, I strive to create a warm, safe environment where you can be yourself. My style is collaborative and authentic – I believe that therapy works best when we approach it as a team. I am not a "blank slate" therapist, meaning that you can expect me to engage with you, using humor when appropriate, metaphor and even occasional sharing from my own experience. Building rapport, trust and safety inside this sacred space we will share is my first therapeutic goal. Since the relationship you have with your therapist is one of the most important factors in the success of treatment, I offer a 15-minute free consultation to see if we are a good fit. Feel free to schedule this time and bring any questions you may have to that appointment.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
Please complete the intake paperwork before our first session. In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then I will gather information about you called an assessment to help me understand more about you. This will help us create a tailored plan for us to work through in follow-up sessions.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Most clients appreciate my empathy, warmth and nonjudgemental style. I work collaboratively with curiosity and respect for my clients and your unique situation, background and experiences.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I enjoy working with a variety of people and issues, but I have a deep passion for, and additional training in, grief and loss with an emphasis on child loss and suicide bereavement. I have worked with individuals, families, groups, schools and corporations after suicides and other tragic losses. All loses are painful and life-changing but losing a loved one to suicide or the death of a child are among the most difficult to experience. I have expertise working with individuals and families experiencing alcohol or substance problems and the painful effects these problems have on the family. My style is direct but non-judgmental and focuses on the addiction - not the individual - as the problem. Substance Use Disorders are medical (not moral) problems and can't be cured by willpower or strength. Families that deal with substance abuse often feel shame, guilt and isolation. I help families through all stages of the treatment and recovery process.
About Heather Quisenberry
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VirtualMy treatment methods
Trauma Informed Care
I use a variety of therapeutic techniques according to the needs of the patient but the lens by which I view clients is attachment based, body-therapy oriented and trauma informed. The way we show up to our lives and relationships is based on many things but is influenced by our earliest relationships and difficult life situations we have survived. I help clients identify how these early relationships and wounds may be causing unwanted outcomes in the here and now. When we understand how our brains work when we experience difficult situations, we can have more compassion for ourselves and feel less shame. I have trauma training that helps me identify and treat trauma-related issues and symptoms.
Attachment-based
Our earliest relationships inform our attachment styles. Understanding these styles can help us have better and more fulfilling relationships. Sometimes we think that "it happened so long ago that it doesn't matter" or "I am an adult now; I should be past this pain", but when we are able to identify the cause (trace it), then deal with how it is impacting us in the present (face it), we can truly put it in the past and start to heal (erase it.)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT therapy can help us identify negative thinking patterns that can interfere with self-esteem and healthy relationships. People who struggle with substance or process addictions also often experience growth by looking at how thoughts influence behaviors and worldviews.
Grief Therapy
I have additional training and experience in grief and loss, with an emphasis on helping parents and loved ones, and groups navigate the loss a of loved one by suicide or homicide. Although all loses are life-changing, losing a child and loss by suicide are among the most difficult to accept. Grief therapy can also be helpful to process break-ups and divorce, loss of a beloved pet, loss of job, health changes and aging.
Couples Counseling
I have training in attachment-based couples therapy that focuses on learning how our attachment styles and "dance moves" can impact our relationships. When we learn to change those patterns, we can often access the closeness that may be missing in our partnerships. If couples therapy is not covered by your insurance, you may still be able to utilize out of network benefits.