ABOUT HEATHER

I have extensive experience working with children and parents/guardians through a variety of settings over my 25 + year career. I have been a conservatorship caseworker for Travis County Child Protective Services, an elementary teacher, and I currently work full time as a professional school counselor at an elementary school in Austin ISD. I am available to see clients privately in the evening in person in northwest Buda or virtually.  I have a certified therapy dog, Millie, who is a 4 year old goldendoodle who often accompanies me in counseling if the client desires. 

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I am passionate about helping youth learn to identify their emotions, desires, and healthy coping skills through a strengths based, child-centered approach while incorporating play and sand tray techniques. When working with clients, I work to foster a relationship built on trust, enhance existing coping skills, and strive to support the adults and family system who are invested in the child's success. 

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I serve children as young as four through the teen years as well as young adults who are experiencing a variety of challenges in their lives such as separation anxiety, sadness/depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, focus/attention/ADHD challenges, adjustment/transitions, and grief to name a few. I also enjoy working with parents who are looking for support on the most challenging, yet fulfilling, journey of their lives in raising their children to become independent, well-adjusted, and successful adults. I value client rapport, empowerment and relationships to nurture meaningful and long-term goal achievement and success. 

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I incorporate elements of a variety of techniques when working with clients depending on the presenting concern.

Solution-Focused

Person-Child Centered

Cognitive Behavioral 

Humanistic & Strengths based

Play

Sand Tray

Mindfulness

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In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, spending time at a central Texas lake, working in my yard, playing with our family dog Millie, listening to podcasts and cheering for the Texas Longhorns. 

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