LPC, 10 years of experience
New to Grow
You don’t have to keep holding everything together on your own. When life feels heavy, uncertain, or overwhelming, it can be hard to know where to start. My goal is to offer a calm, supportive space where you can pause, make sense of what you’re carrying, and begin finding your way back to yourself. Together, we’ll explore what’s been getting in the way of feeling balanced and connected, using evidence-based approaches and genuine collaboration to help you heal, grow, and rediscover a stronger sense of self. Hi, I’m Heather Schmauk MS LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). With over a decade of experience supporting individuals through challenges related to mental health, addiction, and personal growth. I help adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, burnout, and major life transitions. My approach is grounded in compassion and collaboration—meeting clients where they are, while helping them reconnect with their authentic self. I provide a supportive and inclusive space for healing and growth.
It’s completely normal to feel uncertain or nervous before your first session—many clients do. My goal is to create a warm, supportive environment where you can begin to feel comfortable and at ease. During our initial meeting, we’ll review your intake information and gather additional background information that may help me better understand your experiences, concerns, and goals. Together, we’ll discuss what brought you to therapy, what you hope to gain, and any specific areas of focus you’d like to explore. We’ll also develop an initial treatment plan and talk through what to expect as we move forward, so you can feel informed, confident, and supported in your therapeutic process. I view therapy as a collaborative journey—one that helps clients move from self-criticism to self-compassion, from disconnection to reconnection. Whether you’re looking to heal from past wounds, manage current stressors, or reconnect with your sense of self, I’m here to help to guide that journey.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with diverse populations across various settings, including community mental health, addiction treatment, veterans, and correctional environments. My work has deepened my understanding of trauma, resilience, strength, and the importance of safe, nonjudgmental spaces for healing. I specialize in helping individuals navigate the lasting effects of anxiety, trauma, depression, burnout, moral injury, addiction recovery, and significant life transitions. I strive to help clients move beyond survival, guiding them towards genuine growth and self-connection. I support clients in achieving this through a compassionate and collaborative evidence-based approach. I am passionate about honoring each individual’s story and helping them find balance, purpose, and healing.
I work with adults of all ages—from young adults to older individuals—who are seeking to better understand themselves, heal from past experiences, and manage current stressors. Through evidence based modalities, I support clients in untangling the root of distress and building meaningful empowered lives. I am deeply committed to creating a safe and affirming space for all clients,individuals from all cultural backgrounds and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Clients who may feel disconnected, overwhelmed, or uncertain about their next steps often find our work together to be grounding and restorative. I particularly enjoy helping those experiencing burnout, identity challenges, or the lingering effects of trauma find renewed clarity and balance.
CBT helps clients identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors, teaching them how to replace them with healthier, more adaptive ways of thinking and acting.
DBT focuses on teaching clients skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness to manage intense emotions and improve relationships.
EMDR helps clients process traumatic memories by using guided eye movements to reduce the distress associated with those memories, promoting healing and emotional regulation.
MI is a client-centered approach that helps individuals explore and resolve ambivalence about behavior change, enhancing their motivation to take action toward their goals.
ACT encourages clients to accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment, while helping them commit to actions that align with their core values and improve psychological flexibility.