LCSW, 8 years of experience
Welcome! I’m Meredith Stoner Heath (she/her), and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in both Wisconsin and Illinois. It’s not easy to accept help or to open up to someone new. I believe when clients feel safe and accepted, they are able to make the most change, so I strive to provide an empathetic and compassionate environment that is free of judgement where clients can feel open to sharing their feelings and struggles. During our sessions, we will collaborate together to develop personalized goals that will help you to make the changes you want to see in your life and improve your overall health and well-being. I specialize in working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, addictions, life transitions, difficulties with work-life balance, postpartum issues, and family/relationship conflict. I am an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community and I welcome clients of all genders and sexualities. If you are struggling with any of the concerns above and are seeking a safe space to work through them, I am here to help whenever you are ready!
In our first session together, we will begin with introductions to each other and to therapy in general. You may have questions about me or about how the therapy process works, so this is a good time to ask those questions! Then we will talk more in depth about the concerns that brought you to counseling, and we may explore more about your personal history. I may ask you questions about your relationships, family, work/school, past experiences, and more. You will never be forced to talk about anything you are not ready to share, and any information you do share will only help me understand you better! The primary goal of this first session is to ensure that I am able to meet your needs, and that we both feel we are a good fit. If we decide together that we are a good fit, then we will talk about scheduling and make the next appointment!
I am empathetic, compassionate, non-judgmental, transparent, and direct, and I believe these qualities are what help me to develop a connection with each of my clients that is necessary for them to feel safe and open to change.
I especially enjoy working with clients who are going through major life transitions and are needing support as they navigate these changes in their lives! These clients are often experiencing a wide range of emotions such as fear, sadness, excitement, and joy and need an outlet for their sometimes intense feelings. I love working with clients who are motivated for change, or are maybe still struggling to find that motivation, but at the end of the day want to be healthier and happier!
CBT helps us to connect our thoughts, feelings, and behavior together so we can make sense of what we are experiencing. I use CBT techniques and activities in session and I encourage practicing those skills outside of session by occasionally assigning "homework" to clients, since practicing outside of session is the best way to see progress!
While I tend to use a CBT framework most often, I truly utilize an eclectic approach with my clients. I don't believe in "one-size-fits all." Not all approaches work for all clients, so I take a little bit from a variety of approaches to tailor treatment to the individual.