Are you interested in seeking therapy but you just feel so scared and overwhelmed? Maybe your problems just are not big enough? Or maybe your problems are too big? You don't know where to start. Life is stressful, and we are living in hard times. Sometimes we feel alone and like things are out of control, but I am here to help. It is totally normal to seek support. I can offer nonjudgmental support, strategies to help you cope and grow, short-term goals for growth, and flexibility to your individual needs. HI, I am Heather. Nice to meet you. I am a Licensed Psychologist, and I am also certified as a School Psychologist. I received my PhD from Fordham University. I have worked in multiple states with children, adolescents, and adults in private practice, community mental health, residential treatment centers, psychiatric hospitals, forensic settings, and schools. I am currently working at a public elementary school during the day. I previously provided therapy and conducted evaluations at a private practice and agency in CT and PA. I work with regular people just going through day-to-day challenges and seeking support. I also have worked with high-conflict parents in the process of pre- and post-decree Custody disputes in Domestic Relations Court in OH. I am in the process of pursuing Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy certification and have completed STAR trainings for working with Veterans. I completed an American Psychological Association accredited internship in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and have assisted with developing behavioral interventions for parents and teachers. I am also skilled in making diagnoses and conducting evaluations. I offer a wide range of experiences and a broad and flexible approach to treatment. I have worked with individuals from 3 to over 60-years-old with a wide range of diagnoses, including Anxiety Disorders, Depressive Disorders, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Adjustment Disorders. I have also worked with people with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. I can work with you on anger management techniques, anxiety coping strategies, strategies for managing depression and stress, behavioral management strategies, and psychoeducation about diagnoses. If you prefer, we can just talk and gain some insight and self-awareness. I will try to understand, and I know that coming to therapy is not easy. I am here for you and you are not alone.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
My approach is realistic and flexible to match my clients' needs. I am practical and goal-oriented. I can offer support to process difficult times, or I can give strategies and skills to help you deal with issues, as well as to make sense of the world around you. I usually help clients set small goals for the next session, and I understand that life can be difficult to manage. I can offer education to help you better understand your thoughts and feelings and concrete suggestions for growth. I want you to know that you are not alone, and sometimes issues we face are normal for the world we live in.
What treatment methods and tools do you utilize?
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, behavioral management strategies, and solution-focused therapy. I give methods for growth at each approach and believe in educating clients about the issues they face. I try to help clients to set small goals and work on concrete strategies. I also try to help clients understand the world around them and differentiate what is and is not in their control. Struggles are normal, and therapy can be scary. I try to be honest, real, and nonjudgmental. I look at therapy as a ladder and a partnership. A person needs a ladder to reach a tall place, but therapy does not work unless one climbs the ladder.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
I am committed to my clients and flexible to doing what they want. I can include whom and what you want in treatment. I have worked with clients with diverse issues, ages, and backgrounds. I am practical and empathetic. I understand that life can get hectic and difficult. The people around us are not always supportive, but therapy is here to help with the juggling act. I can help you to better identify, manage, and process emotions, and I can help differentiate what is and is not in your control. I am honest, sincere, and real. I also understand that you may feel like you are alone, but please know that it will get better. We will work together to help you grow and address reasons for seeking therapy.