Heather Freed, LCSW - Illinois Therapist at Grow Therapy

Heather Freed

Heather Freed

LCSW
13 years of experience
Virtual

As a dedicated therapist and owner of Freed Minds, I am committed to supporting individuals on their journey to holistic well-being. By focusing on understanding and nurturing the whole person, I integrate various therapeutic approaches to address the mind, body, and spirit. My practice is deeply rooted in the belief that each individual is unique and capable of profound growth and transformation. This conviction drives my commitment to helping you live your most authentic and fulfilling life. Together, we will embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation, empowering you to lead a life filled with purpose and joy.

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

A Warm Welcome: As you step into our session, you'll be greeted with a compassionate and open-hearted approach. I strive to create a space where you feel comfortable and understood from the very beginning. Understanding Your Story: The first session is all about getting to know you. We'll discuss your background, current challenges, and what brought you to therapy. This is an opportunity for you to share your story in a supportive environment. Setting Goals: We will explore your hopes and goals for therapy. Whether you're seeking to overcome specific challenges, enhance your well-being, or discover your life purpose, we’ll work together to outline what you’d like to achieve. Holistic Assessment: I take a holistic view of your well-being, so we’ll look at various aspects of your life, including emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual dimensions. This comprehensive understanding helps in tailoring a therapy plan that aligns with your unique needs. Exploring Therapeutic Approaches: I will introduce you to the therapeutic modalities I use, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). We’ll discuss how these approaches can support your journey. Creating a Safe Space: Establishing a foundation of trust and safety is crucial. I encourage you to ask questions, express any concerns, and provide feedback about what feels comfortable for you in the therapeutic process. Next Steps: By the end of the session, we will have a clearer picture of how we can work together moving forward. We’ll discuss the frequency of sessions, any initial exercises or reflections, and what you can expect in our future work together.

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

Holistic Perspective: I believe in treating the whole person, recognizing the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. This holistic approach allows me to address various aspects of your well-being, ensuring comprehensive and integrated care. Focus on Purpose: I am passionate about helping clients discover and align to purpose. By exploring your values, passions, and strengths, I guide you towards creating a meaningful and fulfilling life. Spiritual Integration: My spiritually driven approach incorporates mindfulness, self-compassion, and ancient wisdom. This helps clients foster a deeper connection to themselves and their surroundings, promoting profound personal and spiritual growth. Empathy and Compassion: I create a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental space where clients feel safe to share their stories. My empathetic and compassionate nature ensures that you feel heard, understood, and supported throughout our therapeutic journey. Collaborative Approach: I believe in the power of collaboration. By working together, we can explore and identify the most effective strategies for your growth and healing. Your feedback and active participation are integral to our work together. Commitment to Personal Growth: I am dedicated to my own continuous learning and personal development. This commitment ensures that I bring the most current and effective practices to our sessions, always striving to provide the best care possible. Mentor and Teacher: I provide practical and actionable strategies to help you navigate life's challenges. My goal is to empower you with the tools and insights needed to make lasting positive changes and achieve your desired outcomes.

About Heather Freed

Identifies as

Specializes in

Licensed in

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change negative beliefs, unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.

Acceptance and commitment (ACT)

In my practice, I employ Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients embrace their thoughts and feelings without judgment while committing to actions that align with their values.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

I integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) into my therapy practice to help clients understand and heal their inner child. By recognizing and addressing various 'parts' of themselves, clients can foster self-compassion and internal harmony.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

I use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help clients quickly identify and build on their strengths to create positive change. By highlighting past successes and envisioning desired outcomes, I support clients in developing actionable steps towards their goals in a short period of time.

Motivational Interviewing

I work with Motivational Interviewing (MI) to help clients explore and resolve ambivalence towards change. This empathetic and collaborative approach encourages individuals to find their own motivations and strengths to make positive life changes.