I’m So Glad You’re Here
Education & Vocation
My love for psychology started in high school and now, over 20 years later, it still fascinates me. I love people - how they think, behave, decide, feel, connect, and make meaning. We humans are full of complexity and yet simultaneously simple. We all really want the same things: to be loved, cared for, respected, valued, chosen. We will do a myriad of things to gain those desires - some constructive, others not.
I completed my Master’s degree at Azusa Pacific University and worked in community counseling clinics between 2007-2014. I began my specialty in sex addiction and betrayal trauma with Dan Drake at Banyan Therapy Group in 2013. In addition to training with APSATS and IITAP, I also completed training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. I use a multitude of therapeutic strategies to help clients achieve their goals; some of these include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, existential psychotherapy, attachment theory, and polyvagal theory.
My Focus
I love helping couples create a healthy marriage and family. I believe that healthy families are the foundation of every society and we need to start with couples to create healthy families.
Healthy marriages don’t just happen. There are too many variables for two individuals to seamlessly join their lives into a meaningful union. Scripture describes it as “two become one flesh,” which means that each person has to die a little. I don’t pull my punches on this one. It’s just truth - each person has to willingly yield themselves to the other for a marriage to thrive.
The trouble of course is that we don’t want to - and even if we decide to be willing to let go, we don’t know how to do that in a healthy way. This is where I can help.
I will help you pinpoint your values and goals, identify what’s getting in your way, and then teach you the skills you need to make your marriage align with your vision.
Meet Heather
When I’m not serving people as a therapist or coach, you’ll probably find me at home with my family. My husband and I met and married in 2014 (yes, it was fast! when you know, you know) and live in Southern California with our two boys and dog named Watson.
I have been a Christian my whole life, even through periods of deconstruction and reevaluation of my faith. I think faith has to be questioned for it to be real. When I incorporate faith or Scripture into my work with clients, I do so from a place of curiosity. If you are a fellow follower of Jesus, we might share beliefs, but I’m going to challenge you. And I welcome you to challenge me. Iron sharpens iron, does it not?
In addition to referencing Scripture, you will also hear many metaphors when you work with me. There’s often a good analogy in sitcoms like The Office or Parks & Rec and definitely something we can learn from the epic stories of Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, etc.
I love coffee and a good pastry, cultivating a green thumb in my garden, and the occasional spa day at one of the local hot springs (yes, I have two to choose from - aren’t I lucky?!?).
