Heather's Story
Canadian Certified Counsellor
I have always been fascinated by how people, ideas, and experiences are connected. My mental health journey began at a young age when I experienced interpersonal trauma that led to challenges with anxiety, shame, and worthiness. Experience of physical trauma as an adult inspired my passion for trauma-informed health psychology: understanding how we heal - mentally and physically – and the ways these are linked. I spend a lot of time researching resilience, neuroscience, and the mind body connection, and I enjoy sharing helpful information. I love nothing more than sitting in a compassionate and nonjudgemental space and hearing people’s stories.
As a Mental Health Therapist, it would be an honour to share in your mental wellness journey. I believe a therapeutic relationship is built on safety and trust, where people feel accepted and challenged to grow in ways meaningful to them and reduce
psychological suffering. My therapeutic approach is integrative and influenced by my core values of genuine empathy, authenticity, connection, curiosity, playfulness, and embodiment.
Beyond work and study, you will most likely find me outside exploring nature trails, experimenting with new recipes and trying all the local food, and enjoying time with friends and family.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Areas of Practice
Populations
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Adolescents
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Adults
Presenting Concerns
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Depression
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Anxiety
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Relationship Concerns
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Trauma-Related Concerns
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Somatic (Body-Based) Complaints
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Concussion
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Chronic Pain
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Stress
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Burnout
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Shame
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Perfectionism
Education and Credentials
Professional Membership
Heather is a student member of the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta.
Master of Counselling
Heather graduated from City University of Seattle in 2023 with a Master of Counselling degree.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Heather graduated from Taylor University College in 2006.
Furthermore, she obtained a natural nutrition diploma with honours from the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition and became a Certified Holistic Nutritional Consultant in 2013. She has enjoyed consulting, teaching, and being involved in numerous community engagement initiatives.
Additional Training
Heather has received training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a values-based, mindful approach to increasing a sense of meaning, purpose, and vitality. She has also completed basic training in EMDR, a neurological and somatic approach to addressing trauma and other mental health concerns. Heather has a special interest in somatic (body-based and mindful) approaches to working with a wide variety of concerns, including trauma, illness, and injury.
Mental Health Experience
With over 10 years experience as a nutritional consultant, and a passion for neuroscience and the mind-body connection, Heather is excited to begin offering professional counselling services. Her personal experience with traumatic injury and illness has led her to a desire to compassionately journey with others in a way that appreciates the relationship between mental and physical health and promotes embodied and holistic wellness.
Heather’s warm personality, genuine empathy, and authentic care for her clients’ wellbeing is evident in her client-centred, relational, and collaborative approach. This serves to promote hope and resilience, thus increasing the ability to navigate life’s inevitable pain and struggle.
Lifelong learning is a passion for Heather, and she is excited to continue in her work towards becoming a Registered Psychologist in Alberta.