Heather has a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) Degree majoring in Psychology and a Masters of Education Degree in Counselling Psychology both from Memorial University of Newfoundland. She is a Certified Canadian Counselor through the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (www.ccpa-accp.ca/); a member of the Academy of Naturopaths and Naturotherapists (ANN); and a member of the Canadian Association of Child and Play Therapy (www.cacpt.com). She is affiliated with several EAP programs and depending on your coverage, billable through some insurance providers.
Heather’s practice includes work with all ages – children (age 6 and up), adolescents, adults, and couples. She has worked in a variety of settings, both in the public and private sector. Her areas of focus include: emotional regulation issues, grief and loss, mood disruption (depression and anxiety), OCD, relationship challenges, parenting, post trauma, self-esteem, life transitions/adjustment, stress, and communication.
Her approach when working with adults is holistic and client centered. She draws upon different therapeutic strategies including: Humanistic, Mindful Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Emotion Focused Therapy. She believes clients have the answers they need within themselves and strives to work collaboratively to help them discover their own strengths. Heather feels that it is a great privilege to be in this counselling role.
In her work with children, Heather takes a playful approach. You will find puppets, various toys, art supplies and a sand tray in her office. Heather has completed extensive post-graduate certificate training in the area of Play Therapy through the Canadian Association of Child and Play Therapy (levels 1-3) and Sand Tray Therapy through the Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute (www.rmpti.com). She enjoys working with children and adolescents and their families. Play is the natural form of communication for children – it is their ‘work.’ Adults talk through their problems whereas children use play. The play of a child in a therapeutic environment differs from the play you might see at home. Provided with a warm and caring environment and the appropriate types of materials, children are able to work though many challenging life events and emotions through non-direct and even non-verbal media.
Besides Play Therapy, Heather has additional training experience in the areas of Suicide Intervention, bereavement, Emotionally Focused Couples Counselling, Emotionally Focused Family Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis, and group facilitation (i.e. parenting young children; children experiencing violence at home; separation and divorce, grief/loss, blended families and assertive communication).