About Heather
I graduated from Texas State with a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling in 2014 and I‘m licensed in the state of Texas.
Before becoming a full-time therapist I worked in Texas schools for 18 years, first as a history teacher and then as a secondary school counselor. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in sociology, a composite social studies teaching certification, and a school counseling certification.
I began working with clients part-time in 2015, and in 2021 I opened my practice full-time. Working in private practice is my jam.
In my spare time, I like to travel and see different cultures. I am an avid reader, dark chocolate connoisseur, and Netflix binger. When it’s not too cold (above 50 degrees because I’m no winter warrior), I enjoy finding places to hike around Austin.
What’s it like to work with me?
I’m a relational therapist.
I am here to provide a compassionate and nonjudgmental space where you can share your story, feel seen, and truly heard. I will actively listen and also ask questions, provide feedback, and share a laugh throughout the process. I approach our work together with empathy and curiosity, engaging in a way that helps us explore your challenges, uncover patterns, and build tools to create meaningful change. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and I do not presume to know what is ‘best’ for you better than you do. My role is to walk alongside you, offering insights, reflections, and tools as we navigate healing and growth—always at your pace, but with the intention of moving forward.
I hope to empower you, to work towards healing your past and finding joy in the present.
I love working with people who are managing an invisible illness. I see the strength, determination, and courage it takes to manage a chronic medical issue. I am here to listen and help you hold the frustration, overwhelm, and fear that often accompanies chronic conditions. We can work on actionable steps to help you with these hard feelings.
Often, I am privileged to share an aha! moment when clients realize they are pushing through hard things by shoving emotions down (like anxiety, fear, shame) and continuing to perform their best, despite feeling weighed down and overwhelmed.
And I get it. I have endometriosis and lived for years with pain and without a diagnosis. I get how hard it is to navigate life when you are also managing an illness. I love helping people find strength and hope on such a difficult journey.
I also love working with adults who need support around their anxiety. My clients struggle with perfectionism, boundaries, people-pleasing, and general concerns about identity and worth.
Many of my clients have traumatic events and relationships they are processing and working through. Some people feel like therapy hasn’t helped them in the past. Others feel like they are pretending to “make it” even though they are filled with self-doubt and unwanted thoughts and feelings.
Therapy can help you gain more insight into managing what is overwhelming you. Getting through life’s obstacles can be tough but showing up for yourself is an amazing first step. I’m here to work with you to find your joy.
Certifications, Trainings, & Memberships
EMDR certification; 20 hours of consultation and experience with at least 25 clients using EMDR as a modality
Basic Training for Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR); part I and 2
At the Crossroads of Trauma Therapy - Integrating EMDR, Structural Dissociation, Attachment Repair and Parts Work - presented by Rachel Walker, MFT
Integrated Treatment of Chronic Pain and Chronic Health Conditions - presented by Gary Brothers, LCSW
Treating Complex Trauma: Beyond Competency; Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Ego State Interventions with Robin Shapiro
How to Foster Post-Traumatic Growth with NICABM
Working with the Pain of Abandonment with NICABM
Introduction to Parts Work from An Internal Systems Family Perspective with Ilyse Kennedy
Special Considerations for EMDR with Autistic and ADHD clients with Christine MacInnis
"Now You Feel It, Now You Don't": Shame, Pride, Dissociation, and Psychotherapy with Relational Trauma” with Ken Benau
Member of the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA) and the American Counseling Association.
As a therapist, I enjoy working with people from varying backgrounds and perspectives. I embrace and honor people of any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious and/or spiritual views, age, and ability.