Laura Heil
I live in Corpus Christi, Texas and grew up playing on the beach and still enjoy spending time in nature and eating the best taquitos in the world. My favorite things are walking along the bayfront and spending time with my family, two dogs and cat. I began working with children when I was a teenager as a camp counselor, sailing instructor, and babysitter. My passion for helping kids only strengthened and I became a middle school science teacher and elementary school counselor for a total of fourteen years. I began counseling in private practice in 2019 and transitioned from part-time to full-time in 2023. I work with children, adolescents, and adults. I believe the family system plays an important role in healing, and I work closely with parents in the counseling process. I have additional training in Grief and Loss, Solution-Focused, Trauma, Attachment and Play Therapy. I use a combination of counseling approaches including Person-Centered, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused, Narrative Therapy and Expressive Arts. I’m currently pursuing my doctorate in Counselor Education from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. I’m currently a Doctoral Candidate (ABD) and hope to finish my dissertation and graduate next year. I love being a counselor and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside clients as they discover the next steps towards creating a vision for their life that aligns with their values. I work to create a therapeutic alliance with clients and foster hope, self-compassion and resilience. I’d be honored to get to know and work with you in building a brighter future!
First session
During our first session, I'd like to know more about you starting with your childhood experiences and working through a timeline of important events that shaped who you are today. I'll explain the counseling process and give you the opportunity to ask questions. I'll ask about your reasons for seeking counseling and we'll start working on your goals.
Strengths
I've been through many of the same challenges that my clients are facing through life experiences at age 46. I genuinely care deeply for people and see counseling as my life's purpose in service to others. I'm able to be fully present and use my listening and counseling skills to help others process their lives and reach higher levels of self-reflection. This increased self-understanding allows clients to see their lives from a different perspective and gives them courage and momentum to envision an ideal future. We work together on taking small steps towards achieving their goals. It's so rewarding to watch clients become unstuck and begin to live fuller lives.
Ideal clients
I'm grateful to have worked with clients throughout the developmental lifespan so I'm comfortable working with all ages and backgrounds. Each client is the expert of their own experience and I see my role as walking beside clients and seeking to understand their perspectives. My ideal client is anyone who is ready to bravely begin the journey of self-discovery and is seeking to reach their full potential!
Treatment methods
Christian Counseling
Christian Counseling incorporates other treatment methods with Christian biblical principles. Prayer and scripture are used to promote healing of the mind, body and spirit. The role of faith in a client's life is explored and fostered.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teaches people to stop resisting painful thoughts and emotions. As an alternative to attempting to change or remove discomfort, acceptance of these feelings and shifting the focus to taking actions based on your values is emphasized. the primary goal of this approach is flexible thinking.
Attachment-based
Attachment-based therapy uses the therapeutic relationship between counselor and client as a foundation to explore childhood experiences with caregivers and how those experiences impact trust. emotional regulation, and relationship patterns as adults. The goal is to explore and heal relational wounds, reframe negative expectations and and build healthier relationships.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy emphasizes goals and teaches clients to identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors. This approach states that thoughts, feelings and behaviors influence each other so a change in one of these areas will effect the other areas. Recognizing thinking errors and replacing them with realistic thoughts, behavioral activation, exposure therapy and problem solving strategies are used with this approach.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy uses cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and the idea of balancing acceptance of where you are the need for change. Practical skills will be developed in the areas of mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions4646 Corona Dr, Corpus Christi, TX 78411, Suite 222