Hello there, I'm Heather. Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, or difficulty adjusting to life transitions? Are you noticing that things are overwhelming and more difficult to cope with because of the many stressors in life? Do you feel that you worry too much, are not good enough, or feel like you're stuck? Do you feel like you are all alone, that you have no one who really listens, understands you, or can relate to what you are going through? Well look no further because I specialize in alleviating anxiety, managing and overcoming depression, and adjusting to life transitions (such as parenting, relationship challenges, experiencing an empty nest, health issues, job loss, divorce, death of a loved one, or retirement.) It's a common experience to face these life challenges, but when those issues start to take over your life, it's time to get the support you need by working through this with a counselor so you can live a more fulfilling life. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in North Carolina, licensed to see clients in North Carolina working virtually, and I'm also licensed in California. I received my Masters from San Diego State University and have been practicing clinical social work for 21 years. I enjoy working with individual adults who are struggling navigating the stressors in life, and we would work together to get you unstuck as soon as possible so you can live a better life, on your own terms. You are brave and have made an important step in the change process just by being here.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
I provide a safe, warm, and non-judgmental space for you to feel free to share whatever you are comfortable with, while offering objective feedback, to help you discover how to deal with life on your terms. During our first session together, we will briefly start with introductions, discuss expectations for counseling, and talk about what brought you to therapy. I would like to know what issues matter the most to you so we can focus on that to ensure that the sessions will be as useful as possible for you. During the follow-up sessions, my clients and I navigate their difficult life circumstances, past trauma, difficult relationships, and process those experiences to find healthy solutions and better ways to cope.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
Clients have shared with me that they like that I provide strengths based and client focused approaches, that they feel truly understood because I can relate to their experiences based on my own personal lived experience and work background. I understand this can feel scary, intimidating, and not easy to do because I have sat where you are sitting today. When I was younger, I struggled with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma, and therapy helped me get my life back. However, it did take awhile to find a good match, and it was a counselor with shared lived experience that made a such a huge difference because she could relate to what I experienced. I think my greatest strengths as a provider are authenticity, compassion, lived experience which creates trust and a strong therapeutic relationship, warmth, and humor. I am grateful to have worked with many people during the past 21 years utilizing evidence-based therapies, I understand that everyone is unique and you are the expert in your own life. We will figure out what are the root causes to your life situations and will create together an individualized measurable plan to improve your quality of life by making lasting life changes. Your life is way too important to stay stuck and suffer in pain. I will help you identify those unhelpful patterns, create a healthy path, and make meaningful changes by finding solutions together. If you are looking for someone to talk to, to be heard, seen, and truly understood, then I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. Life happens, and we all benefit by having some support or guidance to get through those challenging times.
About Heather Petersen
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have experience with several treatment methods and use an eclectic approach since everyone is unique and one therapy approach does not work for all. I utilize strength based support through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Attachment-based Therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Psychodynamic Therapy, Person-centered Therapy, and Gestalt Therapy methods, depending upon what is needed and will work best for you. I’ve been using CBT in my practice for over fifteen years. CBT has helped several clients recognize automatic negative thoughts and better manage their anxiety. CBT is used for most conditions and helps us recognize how your thoughts and core beliefs influence stressful emotions and behaviors. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you have less anxiety and reduce stress by working together to focus on your needs and preferences.
Motivational Interviewing
Motivational Interviewing has been helpful in my practice to create change through action goals to make lasting behavioral changes. This approach supports the process of making changes naturally and building motivation as well as self confidence.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution Focused Therapy has helped many of my clients accept when a problem needs a realistic solution and then we work together to make that happen. This approach is based on strengths to build solutions that will work. This approach focuses on the here-and-now and how you vision your preferred future to improve your overall well-being and quality of life.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
Dialectical Behavior is a technique to better support clients experiencing anxiety symptoms and many other symptoms. DBT focuses on improving distress tolerance, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal skills.