About Heather

Heather Chapman, experienced child therapist Austin Texas, play therapy, CBT for kids, child therapy in Westlake

Millie is a gentle grey/silver goldendoodle who is a 5 year old therapy dog

Millie the therapy dog

***I am not taking new clients at this time. Please reach out if you need referrals to other providers in the Austin area. ***

Hello! I'm thrilled you are here!

I am a mom, a former public school educator, school counselor, and professional counselor. My experiences over the past 25 years in a variety of settings, demographics, and situations have prepared me for this role.

While I know many people worry something must be "really wrong" with them to see a counselor/therapist, I disagree. Seeing a counselor can be one of the most liberating experiences of your life if you open yourself up to the possibilities of what if. Counseling can give you or your child a place to be honest, vulnerable, and most authentic self.

My approach is warm, relational, and strengths-based. I value connection, empowerment, and collaboration as we work toward meaningful and lasting change for yourself or your child. My goal is to create a safe, trusting environment where clients can be seen and supported.

I offer in-person counseling in Westlake and northwest Buda, as well as virtual therapy throughout Texas. Millie, my certified therapy dog (a 5-year-old goldendoodle), often joins sessions for clients who enjoy a furry friend to support them.

I draw from several evidence-based approaches depending on the client's needs:

Solution-Focused

Person-Child Centered

Cognitive Behavioral

Strengths based

Play

Sand Tray

Mindfulness

Trauma Informed

Neuro and LGBTQIA+ affirming care

I earned my bachelor's degree from in psychology from the University of Texas at Austin in 1997, and completed postbaccalaureate credentialing for elementary education at UT Austin in 2001. After working at Child Protective Services, and teaching for over two decades, I went back to my original desire to become a school and professional counselor. I earned my master's degree from Lamar University in 2022. I continue to hone my skills under the supervision of Melissa Fleming, LPC-S, RPT-S, CCST-T. My focus in continued professional learning includes counseling with sand tray, play therapy (currently working towards my registered play therapy credential), supporting persons with anxiety, grief, trauma, life transitions, stress/burn out, to name a few.

When I'm not in session, I enjoy spending time with my family, spending time at the central Texas lakes, working in my yard, playing with our family dog Millie, listening to podcasts and cheering on the Texas Longhorns.

Contact Heather