LCSW, 24 years of experience
Hi there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 15 years in private practice and many years as a social worker in health care. I am also a lifelong fitness enthusiast, starting my life in competitive tennis at five years old. I am a California native who has fallen in love with Connecticut, living in its splendor for the past 7 years! My focus in life is love. My passion not only includes health and wellness but also creativity. I have been writing poetry since high school and, I started painting again for pleasure and relaxation. My aspiration last year was to begin seriously working on compiling my poetry in preparation for a book. It is still in the making as I allow my process to flow without a due date. I am looking forward to a long life of love, health, and happiness! In Health, Heather
In our first session, we will take time to get to know each other, whether I am a good fit for you, and what you would like to get out of therapy. Not one person is the same and I genuinely believe that you situation and what matters to you is uniquely yours. I will address the legal and ethical boundaries and interpretations of the therapeutic relationship to make sure you know that I care about you, your safety, and your privacy. You are also free to ask me any questions that you want to ask me and I will answer them. I find that if you see me that I am a professional, an expert in my field, and also an imperfect person who is living through life like we all are, it may ease your anxiety about treatment. I am looking forward to getting to know you!
I believe my commitment to help and improve lives and my genuineness are my biggest strengths. A client will find that I am the same person in session as I am out in the community and when with family and friends.
I enjoy working with all ages, preferably 13 years old and above. I have a background in health care, health and fitness, sports, and artistic outlets. I respect and appreciate individuals of all cultures and life experiences. I also have a deep understanding and professional experience in anxiety, ADHD, self- harm and eating disorders.
I have been helping clients learn their ability to choose how they express their feelings and actions through all the coping tools of cognitive behavioral therapy which spans so many realms of interest like writing, art, education, music, meditation, visualization and positive self worth. CBT has so many great tools and I feel most importantly teaches you to decide :)
DBT is similar to CBT, using our own sense of self, our bodily senses, to master our personhood. DBT also includes using our cognitive thought processes to understand why we do what we do. DBT also includes use of worksheets, education, art, music and our connection with energies inside and outside of us. I am also skilled in meditation and calming practices
I explore and use all faiths, meeting with my client's comfort and belief system.
Connecting the whole person in the wellness journey is key to growth.
I have great fortune to have been with many cultures in my personal and professional life and embrace everyone!