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Heather Thompson

Heather Thompson

(she/her)

LCSW
20 years of experience
Virtual

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in New York. I received my Master's Degree from Kean University in NJ and have been practicing since 2004. I work with emerging adults (20 and up) to the elderly. I work with clients who are experiencing anxiety, depression and past trauma issues to move through their struggles and live their best life.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

During our first session, we will chat some to start to get to know each other. We will discuss reasons that you are seeking treatment at this time and I will ask you some brief questions about your life up to this point. Then we'll discuss what you are hoping to get out of therapy to start your treatment plan.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Throughout my years of practice I have developed a great understanding of the biology behind anxiety, depression and trauma responses. This has led to pinpointing interventions and skills that are most helpful when someone is wanting to reduce their mental health symptoms and improve their daily living. Also, in my practice I have learned that having a very open and easy flowing back and forth is best. In session if you need to cry- do it, if you need to use “creative language”- do it, if something is funny- we’ll laugh together. We will walk together on this journey!

About Heather Thompson

Identifies as

Specializes in

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I have been using CBT with clients throughout my 20 years as a therapist in outpatient settings. While discussing areas of your life, we will work together to identify areas that are causing distress. Then we'll look to identify any cognitive distortions (unhealthy thoughts and/or beliefs) you may have by looking at the relationships between thoughts, feelings and behaviors. We will then work to challenge and reframe these cognitive distortions while also developing healthy skills for you to use in your daily life.

Strength-Based

I’ve used Strength-Based therapy for quite a few years. We will identify what existing resources, strengths and resilience you already possess. A lot of times we have far more strengths and resources which we discover the more we search for them. Then we look at ways to further build on and use these to help you achieve your goals!

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

I have been practicing Mindfulness-Based Therapy for over a decade. When engaging in this treatment method we will use mindfulness meditations, mindfulness practices and body scan techniques. All of these can help you learn more about your own breathing patterns, your thought processes, your ability to be present in the moment and how your emotions and experiences influence how you hold your body. We will also be using CBT therapy techniques to identify and challenge unhealthy thoughts and/or beliefs. We will also look at the relationship between your thoughts, feelings and behaviors. Then we will work to challenge and reframe these cognitive distortions to move toward healthier and more accurate thoughts and beliefs.