New to Grow
Hi, I’m Heather Plourde, LPC. I’m a licensed professional counselor who believes therapy should feel like a real conversation — not a clinical interrogation or a place where you have to pretend you have it all together. I’ve worked across private practice, community programs, and leadership roles in mental health, so I’ve seen just about every version of “life got complicated,” and I know change doesn’t happen through advice alone.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The first session is really about seeing if we’re a good fit. If you’re nervous, I often say to clients: all that’s going to happen is talking. There’s no pressure to have the “right” words, no tests, and no expectations that you’ll share everything perfectly. You can start wherever you are. We’ll talk about what’s been going on in your life, what brought you to therapy now, and what you’d like to feel different moving forward. I’ll ask some questions to understand your experiences, but this isn’t an interrogation — it’s a conversation. Most people leave their first session feeling relieved. Getting started is usually the hardest part, and once you’ve taken that step, things tend to feel a little lighter.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My strength is my approach to therapy is direct, honest, and real. I believe meaningful change happens when we can talk openly about what’s actually going on — without judgment, jargon, or pretending things are simpler than they are. I bring both clinical training and real-world experience into the therapy room. Having worked across multiple areas of mental health — from community programs to leadership roles and private practice — I understand that people don’t live in textbooks. Life is complicated, and therapy should reflect that reality. I’m not a therapist who will just sit quietly and “mmhmm” while you talk. We build a genuine rapport, and therapy becomes an active, collaborative process. I ask questions, offer honest feedback, and help you connect the dots in ways that lead to real insight and practical change. Clients often appreciate that I balance compassion with straightforward conversation. My goal is for you to feel understood and challenged in a productive way — leaving sessions with clarity, perspective, and tools you can actually use in your daily life.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My Ideal Clients I work best with people who are ready for honest conversations and real change. My clients are often thoughtful, capable people who have been holding a lot together for a long time — until something stops working the way it used to. They may feel overwhelmed, stuck in patterns they can’t quite break, or tired of therapy that only scratches the surface. If you’re looking for direct, real talk (delivered with compassion, not judgment), you’ll likely feel comfortable working with me. I’m a good fit for clients who want insight and practical tools — people who are willing to look at themselves honestly, try new approaches, and do the work that leads to meaningful growth. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, burnout, or simply feeling disconnected from yourself, I help clients move from understanding their struggles to actively changing how they live and respond.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have worked with all types of people throughout my career, and like to use motivational interviewing, CBT, DBT, EFT, as well as attachment focused therapies