Heather is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate (LMFTA). Before returning to graduate school, she spent more than 20 years working in fitness, wellness, and coaching, providing a strong foundation for supporting people through growth, change, and life transitions. That experience built an understanding of the connection between mind and body, the importance of relationship and trust, and the value of helping people make meaningful, lasting changes. Therapy builds on that foundation by creating space for deeper emotional work, stronger relationships, and healing across all areas of life. Heather welcomes clients of all races, abilities, genders, sexual orientation, countries of origin and spiritualities. You are safe here.

Heather is a married mother of three adult children. Having raised her family on Mercer Island, she has firsthand insight into the unique pressures, stresses, and expectations that children, teens, young adults, and parents experience in this community.

Modalities

• Child Centered Play Therapy

• Attachment Based Play Therapy

• Child Parent Relationship Therapy

• Sandtray Therapy

• Neurobiologically Informed Therapy

• Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)

Areas of Focus

• Anxiety & Stress

• Depression

• Self-Esteem Challenges

• Identity Development

• Life Transitions and Adjustments

• LGBTQIA Affirming Support

• Emotional Regulation and Big Feelings

• Behavioral Challenges

• Peer Relationships

• Neurodivergent Affirming Support (ADHD and Autism)

• Social Challenges

• Academic Stress

• Family Connection

• Parent Support and Coaching

Education

Master of Arts in Couples and Family Therapy from Antioch University Seattle

Play Therapy Certificate from Antioch University Seattle with a focus on neurobiologically informed treatment for children and families. Certificate work included Child Centered Play Therapy, Advanced Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, Filial Play Therapy and Child Parent Relationship Therapy.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Washington. Research experience included working for Dr. John Gottman in his “Love Lab,” observing and coding communication patterns between couples. Dr. Gottman’s work on conflict, attachment, relationship stability, and the emotional lives of children has had a major influence on the field of couple and family therapy.

Working Towards Becoming a Registered Play Therapist with the Association of Play Therapy

Memberships

• Washington Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (WAMFT)

• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

• Washington State Association for Play Therapy (WA4PT)

• Association for Play Therapy (APT)