You Don’t Have To Figure It Out Alone
Life can feel overwhelming. Maybe anxiety keeps your mind racing, you’re carrying the weight of everyone else’s needs, or you’re feeling stuck in patterns that leave you exhausted and questioning yourself. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, struggling with depression, working through relationship challenges, or simply feeling disconnected from the person you want to be, you don’t have to do it alone.
I believe therapy is a place where you can show up exactly as you are, without judgment or pressure to have everything figured out. Together, we’ll make sense of what’s been weighing on you, build on your strengths, and explore the changes that feel meaningful for you.
Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is give ourselves permission to ask for support.
What It’s Like To Work With Me
My counseling style is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth. I want therapy to feel like a genuine conversation where you can be honest, ask questions, laugh when it happens naturally, and know that you’re supported every step of the way.
While I’m naturally gentle and validating, I’m also willing to thoughtfully challenge the patterns and beliefs that may be keeping you stuck. I believe growth doesn’t have to come through criticism. It often happens through compassion, curiosity, and feeling truly understood.
Who I Work With
I work with individuals ages 15 and older who are navigating anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, perfectionism, self-doubt, ADHD, grief, life transitions, and challenges with self-esteem or emotional regulation. I also enjoy helping clients better understand themselves within their relationships by exploring communication patterns, attachment, and healthy boundaries. While I don’t provide couples counseling, we can absolutely work on the relationship challenges that are affecting you. For clients who wish to incorporate their faith into counseling, I also offer Christian counseling upon request.
Whether this is your first time considering therapy or you’re returning after time away, I’m glad you’re here. I’d be honored to walk alongside you as you take the next step toward healing, growth, and becoming the version of yourself you want to be.
My Approach
Every person is different, so I believe therapy should be too. Rather than using the same approach for everyone, I tailor therapy to fit your unique needs and goals. I draw from several evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and trauma-informed care, while keeping a person-centered approach at the heart of our work.
My role isn’t to tell you who to be. It’s to help you better understand yourself, recognize your strengths, and discover what works best for you.
Supporting Military-Connected Clients
I earned my graduate degree with a concentration in Military and Veterans Counseling and have a special appreciation for supporting military service members, veterans, military spouses, and their families. Practicing in Hampton Roads, I understand that military life is part of everyday life for many people in our community.
Whether you’re navigating deployments, relocations, career changes, shifting family roles, or simply balancing the unique demands that military life can bring, I strive to provide a space where you feel understood, supported, and cared for.
Education
I earned my Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Military and Veterans Counseling from William & Mary. I also hold a Bachelor of Science in Psychological Science from Gardner-Webb University and an Associate of Arts in Fine Arts from the College of The Albemarle.
As a Licensed Resident in Counseling, I continue my professional development through ongoing supervision with Clinical Director Dr. Jill Nardin, LPC.
Beyond the Office
Outside of the counseling office, I’m part of a large blended family and a very proud auntie to seven amazing nieces and nephews. Being part of a large family has taught me a lot about flexibility, connection, and finding joy in life’s beautifully imperfect moments.
I’m also a creative person and love crocheting, embroidery, and other craft projects. If working with your hands helps you relax, you’re always welcome to bring a crochet project, knitting, coloring book, or other quiet craft to our sessions. Sometimes talking comes a little easier when your hands are busy.
Music is another big part of my life. I enjoy listening to a wide variety of genres and love how music can reflect our emotions, connect us to memories, and bring people together. Whether it’s discovering a new artist or returning to an old favorite, I appreciate the many ways music can add meaning and joy to everyday moments.
When I’m not crafting, you’ll usually find me with a good book or spending time outdoors. I grew up in a rural community, and I still feel most at home outside, whether that’s exploring a new trail, enjoying fresh air, or simply slowing down to appreciate the little things.
Schedule an appointment directly with me at: heather@freespiritonline.org or 757-656-2811.
**SPECIAL NOTE Resident Sessions: As a Licensed Resident in Counseling, I am in-network with Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, and Sentara Health Plans commercial insurances, and all of the Medicaid plans. I am also able to see those not on these insurances for a sliding scale, negotiable fee.
I work directly under the supervision of clinical supervisor Dr. Jill Nardin at: jill@freespiritonline.org or 757-204-1866.