LISW, 4 years of experience
New to Grow
Heather Anderson, LISW, is a licensed social worker with a BSW and MSW from Cleveland State University who works primarily with teens, young adults, couples, and families. She utilizes evidence-based modalities including CBT, DBT, ACT, attachment-based approaches, and trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, strengths-based care. Heather is LGBTQ+ affirming, a member of WPATH and USPATH, and has a special interest in gender-affirming care and supporting transgender clients. She is particularly passionate about helping clients build insight, strengthen relationships, and move toward meaningful life goals through collaborative, person-centered treatment.
In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other and understand what brings you to therapy. I’ll ask about your background, current challenges, and what you hope to achieve, so I can tailor support to your needs. This session is a safe, judgment-free space where you can share at your own pace, and I’ll answer any questions you have about the process. Together, we’ll start building a foundation for trust and set initial goals to guide your journey.
My greatest strengths lie in creating a supportive, affirming space where clients feel truly seen and heard, especially those navigating identity, relationships, and life transitions. I blend evidence-based therapies like CBT, DBT, and ACT with a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach that honors each person’s unique story and resilience. My experience working with teens, young adults, couples, and families, along with my commitment to gender-affirming care as a WPATH and USPATH member, allows me to meet clients where they are and help them build insight, improve relationships, and achieve meaningful, lasting change. What makes my work unique is this combination of clinical skill, cultural sensitivity, and genuine collaboration, empowering clients to grow with confidence and purpose.
I’m best positioned to support teens, young adults, couples, and families who are navigating life transitions, relationship challenges, or questions about identity, especially those seeking a safe, affirming space to explore their authentic selves. If you’re looking for a therapist who understands the unique struggles of LGBTQ+ and transgender clients, values collaboration, and focuses on building your strengths and insight, you’ll feel right at home here. Whether your goals include managing anxiety or depression, improving relationships, or finding clarity and purpose, I’m here to help you move forward with confidence and resilience. Together, we’ll work in a way that honors your experience and helps you create meaningful, lasting change.
I incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) by helping clients build psychological flexibility, which is learning to notice difficult thoughts and emotions without getting stuck in them, clarify personal values, and take meaningful, values-driven action.
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients develop skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. This approach supports clients in managing intense emotions, reducing self-destructive behaviors, and building healthier relationships.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, develop healthier thinking patterns, and build practical skills to improve mood and overall functioning.
I incorporate attachment-based approaches to help clients explore and understand how early relationships influence their current patterns in relationships and emotional wellbeing, fostering secure connections and healthier relational dynamics.
I use Motivational Interviewing to support clients in exploring their own motivations and ambivalence about change, helping them build confidence and commitment to take steps toward their personal goals.