Hello and welcome! My name is Heather Watson, and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with 14 years of experience. I work with adults to address issues including depression, anxiety, stress, anger, relationship issues, and life transitions. My therapeutic approach is integrative, with focus on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). I am committed to meeting you where you are and supporting you along the path towards change.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During the initial session, we will get to know each other and discuss your therapy needs. I will complete an intake, gathering family and treatment history, information about current symptoms, and reasons you're seeking therapy. Together we will then complete a plan addressing your goals for treatment.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strength as a provider is my ability to create an environment where clients can share feelings and challenges openly, while having that information be received with empathy and compassion. I also focus on helping clients recognize their strengths, ability to empower themselves, and heal.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My clients are open to self-exploration, growth, and express a willingness to learn.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an evidenced-based practice that is effective in treating a variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia. CBT focuses on helping people change unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors, so they can respond more effectively to challenges. I use CBT to help clients identify, challenge, and reframe unhelpful thoughts. I also use CBT to educate clients about their conditions and teach the following: coping and problem-solving strategies, communication skills, self-regulation, and stress management techniques.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivation Interviewing (MI) is an evidence-based practice, focused on helping clients change unhealthy behaviors by exploring and resolving ambivalence about making changes. MI can be effective in treating several conditions, such as depression, stress, substance use, and trauma. I use MI to help clients explore their values and goals, resolve discrepancies between values and actions, elicit and reinforce change talk and strengths, and develop a plan for change.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a short-term and goal focused evidenced-based practice which helps clients facilitate change by focusing on solutions instead of problems. SFBT is effective in treating depression, anxiety, and trauma; as well as addressing relationship issues and life transitions. I use SFBT to help clients identify specific goals, explore exceptions to problems, reinforce resilience, and strengths.