(she/her)
Hello, I’m Heather Wilkie, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida (MH20343). I bring over 12 years of experience supporting individuals navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, and identity-related concerns. I have extensive experience working within LGBTQ+ communities across all ages, which informs my affirming, inclusive, and culturally responsive approach. While this is a core area of expertise, I welcome and work with individuals from all backgrounds and identities. My style is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in respect. I strive to create a space where you feel safe, understood, and empowered to explore what’s bringing you to therapy. Whether you’re navigating relationships, stress, identity, or personal growth, we’ll move at a pace that feels right for you. Seeking support takes courage, and you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to walk alongside you as you move toward a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Your first session is a chance for us to connect and for you to share what’s been weighing on you, at your own pace. I’ll ask some questions to better understand your background and what’s bringing you in, but there’s no pressure to have everything figured out. I approach each client with empathy, respect, and compassion, and my style is gentle while still being honest and supportive. I bring over a decade of experience working in LGBTQ+ spaces and welcome individuals from all backgrounds. Together, we’ll begin identifying goals and small, manageable steps to help you move forward. My goal is for you to leave feeling heard, supported, and a little more hopeful about what’s next.
I take a personalized, collaborative approach, tailoring therapy to your specific needs and goals. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you understand patterns and develop practical, present-focused strategies. I also incorporate Humanistic and Positive Psychology, focusing on your strengths, values, and unique experiences. My goal is to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and empowered to make meaningful change.
I’m best positioned to support individuals who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected—especially those navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or major life transitions. Many of my clients are thoughtful and self-aware, but find themselves overthinking, emotionally exhausted, or unsure how to move forward. I work well with people who are ready for change, even if they’re not sure where to start. Together, we focus on building practical tools, increasing self-understanding, and creating meaningful, sustainable progress. I also have extensive experience working within LGBTQ+ communities and strive to create a space that feels affirming, safe, and grounded in respect.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my work because it gives clients practical tools to understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In sessions, I help people recognize unhelpful thought patterns, challenge them, and replace them with healthier perspectives. I also use strategies like goal-setting, coping skills, and small homework exercises so clients can practice what we talk about in real life. My goal is to make therapy collaborative and empowering, so clients leave with tools they can continue to use long after our sessions.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
I also draw from Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which focuses on strengthening relationships by exploring the emotions underneath patterns of conflict or disconnection. In sessions, I help clients identify the deeper needs driving their reactions and create space for more honest, supportive conversations. The goal is to break unhelpful cycles, build trust, and foster stronger emotional bonds.