I was forced to enter the basement of my soul and look directly at what was hidden there, and to choose, in the face of it all, not death but life. -Henri Nouwen I am extensively trained in the full spectrum of trauma disorders, grief, and eating disorders. I also work with executives and individuals in the workforce who need coaching on stress management and career development. Within the scope of my expertise, I have had the pleasure and honor to help people of all cultures, races, sexualities, and religions “HEAL or make oneself whole again". My therapeutic approach is to provide support, nurturing, and practical feedback to help patients effectively address personal life challenges and facilitate the healing process to "move on" in one's life. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each patient. I provide an effective and healthy outlet for an individual to address issues which are preventing them from adaptively coping in their world. I foster an atmosphere in which an individual's mind, body, and soul can heal allowing the individual to reach resolution on issues that are interfering with feeling "whole and connected" in the world around them. With compassion and a nonjudgmental atmosphere I work with each individual to help one heal the underlying wounds that keep getting in the way of living one's life to the fullest. I am a designated certified trauma treatment specialist, board certified expert in traumatic stress, board certified professional counselor, certified first responder counselor, and a licensed mental health counselor. I hold the status of diplomate for both The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and The National Center for Crisis Management. I specialize and am certified in the state of the art therapy called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

I always compare a "first session" in therapy much like to test driving a new vehicle. The first session is for the client to see if the therapist is a "good fit" for them. The relationship is the most important ingredient in therapy. Many variables go into the equilibrium between client and therapist. The energy match, emotional match, goal setting match, and overall vibe. It's "OK" if you find I'm not the best therapist for you. There is no judgement here. The goal is for you to get better whether that's with me or another professional. You should NEVER feel like you are stuck.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

I believe a great strength I possess in the area of my work is in "cracking the code." I have made trauma therapy and everything that falls under that "umbrella" , whether it be, dysfunctional relationships, addictions, parenting, low self-esteem, procrastination, etc. my life's study. In doing so, I have learned each individual has their own unique trauma code that plays out based on genetics, environment, temperament, resilience, etc. Unlocking the code in union with the patient and helping to create new neural pathways to health is what I love to do. It is more of a blessing than a strength to be part of that transition with each individual.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I have additional expertise in health issues (cancers, congenital diseases, infertility). I worked with survivors/rescue workers of the September 11th 2001 attacks and currently continue to work with military, law enforcement, firefighters, and other first responders in the field. My services are open and offered to Adult, Women, Men, Elders, LGBTQ Community, Young Adults, Fire Rescue, Law Enforcement, Pilots, Lawyers, Physicians, Military, and Veterans

About Heidi M. Salonia, LMHC, CTTS, BCETS, CFRC