Hello! Thank you for considering the possibility of working together! My name is Heidi and I have been a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist for more than 20 years, having received my Master of Science degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology in 1998 from California State University, San Bernardino. I am licensed in California. I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and trained in trauma treatment. My professional experience includes individual and group therapy with adults whose issues include being survivors of childhood sexual abuse and victims of sexual assault and domestic violence as well as concerns of depression, anxiety, grief and loss, parenting, relationships, and life changes.
My counseling style is empathetic and accepting. My goal is to create a safe and warm environment where clients feel respected and supported in a confidential setting. I use an eclectic approach to therapy using various therapeutic orientations.
On a personal note, I'm married with four adult children and six grandchildren. I suffered the loss of my first husband to cancer at age 30 which left me a single parent with three very young, grieving children, while managing my own grief . I remarried several years later to a career US Marine which required relocating several times over the years. I had a fourth child, and with multiple extended deployments of my husband, I was often, in essence, a single parent again. I have found that my varied life experiences have enabled me a unique understanding of many of the issues my clients are facing.
Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience. I hope that you will consider working with me!
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, ADHD, Abandonment, Blended family issues, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Domestic violence, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, Impulsivity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Veteran and Armed Forces Issues, Mood disorders, Panic disorder and panic attacks, Post-traumatic stress, Pregnancy and childbirth, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Sexual assault and abuse, Social anxiety and phobia, Women's issues, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
CA LMFT 41863
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Heidi Summers. 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've been working with Heidi for almost a year now and I can genuinely say that she is an awesome therapist. She's helped me through a lot in the last year and I'm happy to have her support to continue to work on myself and other goals within my life.
Written on Mar 01, 2022 after therapy with Heidi for 11 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion fatigue
Heidi is an excellent therapist. I always feel heard, understood, valued, respected, and safe in our sessions. Talks with Heidi are a high point in my week-- even after talking through the rough stuff I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated after our sessions.
Written on Aug 05, 2021 after therapy with Heidi for 5 months on issues concerning depression, and stress, anxiety
Heidi is an excellent counselor. She is an extremely good listener, gives input when desired, and is very kind. I have worked with many counselors over the years but seldom have I felt as heard as I do when working with Heidi.
Written on Jul 24, 2021 after therapy with Heidi for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, self esteem, and bipolar disorder
Heidi is a very sympathetic therapist and has helped me a lot. Her feedback is useful and she is comforting. I recommend her to anyone recovering from an abusive relationship or dealing with anxiety.
Written on Jul 21, 2021 after therapy with Heidi for 4 months
Heidi pulls from a wide array of knowledge, expertise, and experience in order to meet me emotionally and mentally as her client and as a person. She has a way of putting my thoughts into words and untangling them whenever necessary. She also ensures the time we have together is spent working through issues in a constructive manner.
Written on May 19, 2021 after therapy with Heidi for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and adhd
Heidi has definitely made sure I have all the proper tools to continue on with my therapy that keep me progressing throughout the entire week. She is definitely making me realize things about myself that have quickly transformed my perspective on others and especially that of life it self. I am greatly appreciative of the patience and understanding Heidi projects. I highly recommend her to anyone.
Written on Mar 31, 2021 after therapy with Heidi for 1 month on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and adhd