LPC, 15 years of experience
I am so happy you are taking the next step for your mental health and wellness! My name is Heather Phelps, owner of HLP Wellness Solutions and Licensed Professional Counselor. I am a seasoned clinician with 15 years of direct patient care in behavioral health. I have experience working with substance use disorders, behavioral addictions, anxiety, codependency, depression, trauma, first responders, personality disorders, and mood disorders. I offer a client centered approach to care, valuing honesty, compassion, and accountability.
My job is to listen; offering compassion, empathy, and coping skills, while at the same time, challenge you to get out of your comfort zone! Together we will examine your inner most thoughts, feelings, and fears. We will set realistic goals and work together at your own pace, to create change you can feel proud of.
I have experience working with individuals struggling with not only substance abuse, but behavioral addictions. Often those in recovery seek relief through behavioral addictions, especially in the early stages. Gambling, sex/pornography, food, relationships, just to name a few. I have experience working with individuals struggling with codependency, people pleasing, and boundaries. I use modalities such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy), ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy), and MBSR (mindfulness-based stress reduction). Clients describe me as being warm, energetic, direct, and compassionate. Clients value that I am honest, willing to challenge when needed, and hold them accountable. If you want a therapist who is laid back, but also willing to motivate you to change--then come Grow with me!
If you are thinking about taking that brave next step, I would love to meet you, and it would be an honor to embark on that journey with you! I offer a remote treatment experience for those would prefer to remain in the comfort of their own home.
CBT helps clients challenge automatic thoughts which are rooted in distorted beliefs and perceptions, formed in our early stages of emotional development. When there are adverse experiences, unstable relationships & unhealthy living environments; core beliefs are that of distrust, unworthiness, inadequacy, and fear. CBT helps clients challenge these core beliefs by implementing positive behavioral changes (coping skills) paired with reframing thoughts and beliefs (cognitive restructuring) using the "here and now".
Like ACT, DBT is an option for those who may find traditional CBT concepts to be dismissive and invalidating. In DBT clients learn to balance acceptance and change. DBT emphasizes mindfulness, teaches distress tolerance skills, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. The goal of DBT is to have "a life worth living", that is both full & meaningful.
For some clients, taking a CBT approach (challenging and reframing our thoughts) can feel shameful and invalidating, especially those struggling with trauma and low self-worth. ACT is rooted in mindfulness, with the goal being to "increase our psychological flexibility". By doing so clients learn to accept their emotions by remaining present and engaged in the here and now, set goals based on values, commit to action by using coping skills that remain aligned with core values
I believe the skill of mindfulness practice is the foundation of therapy. In order to grow, I believe that we first must learn to practice being present with ourselves, taking a non-judgmental stance as we acknowledge, validate, and accept our emotions as they are. When we can sit with ourselves, we can choose to respond with intention and purpose, versus impulse & unhealthy coping