Congratulations on taking a very important, and sometimes scary, first step into searching for a counselor! I believe I can help you navigate this "stuck-place" that you find yourself in. I am currently a private practicing therapist in my small town, and I work with individuals just like you who are struggling. Before I struck out on my own, I worked for 3 years in the community mental health clinic, where I assessed individuals and then worked collaboratively with them to develop a plan to move forward. Prior to that, I worked as a crisis stabilization clinician where I entered my client's homes daily for a specific period of time to help them through an identified crisis. I have also volunteered my time at a Christian Free Clinic where clients who are unlikely to have access to counseling are able to receive it. Each of these settings has given me a unique perspective on my clients and compassion for the hurting.
I work with clients using a client-centered approach, meaning that you will have much to say about the direction of therapy. My training is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy which addresses how your thoughts influence your behaviors, which influence your feelings. I also have had much success by adding Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to my work with clients. This approach identifies distressing feelings, uses mindfulness skills to cope (or accept) those feelings, and then builds you back up by identifying action steps that will bring you more in line with who you want to be.
I am currently only accepting daytime appointments and am unable to offer video sessions. I am ready to do phone sessions or chat sessions where my time is dedicated to just you for that appointment. I am excited to begin this journey with you!
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Sleeping disorders, Parenting issues, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Abandonment, Aging and geriatric issues, Blended family issues, Body image, Co-morbidity, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
VA LPC 0701007950
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Heather Aldridge. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
I have only been seeing Heather for about two weeks but she seems to genuinely care me wants to explore this issues presented. She is kind and approachable as well.
Written on May 03, 2022 after therapy with Heather for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, and family conflicts
Heather has been a great help to me In the few short weeks we've been working together
Written on May 03, 2022 after therapy with Heather for 2 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, and career difficulties
Heather is an excellent counselor. She is extremely attentive and skilled in her approach. She also brings a very neutral/unbiased expertise to her counseling. Very friendly and easy to talk to and has great strategies and tactics to help anyone who works with her. Thanks Heather!
Written on Mar 08, 2021 after therapy with Heather for 7 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, and anger management
She is kind and helps you understand things on a totally new level! Super helpful and uplifting!
Written on Jan 22, 2021 after therapy with Heather for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, grief, eating disorders, self esteem, and career difficulties
She responds quickly. The app says to give them 24 hrs but I usually hear back within 6. I like that a lot. She listens really well and I like the homework she gives. She gives me things to "sit on" throughout the week. A different perspective from an unbiased source. Great experience so far.
Written on Jan 19, 2021 after therapy with Heather for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, and compassion fatigue
It just feels good to have someone to talk to. I don't know what answers I'm looking for, so she's helping me just talk it out.
Written on Jan 14, 2021 after therapy with Heather for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and coping with life changes