Grief, Family Conflict, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Stress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Life Transition, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, Coping Skills
Accepted insurance & self-pay
About Heather
Heather Richards is a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 years of experience working with diverse populations, from preschool-aged children to older adults. She has supported individuals facing trauma, grief, and loss, and has worked with clients navigating depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Heather’s background includes work with at-risk youth, family systems, and outpatient and group therapy. She is passionate about helping clients committed to healing and personal growth.
Heather earned her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. She uses a client-centered, integrative approach that includes cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and strength-based techniques. She meets clients where they are while encouraging growth outside their comfort zone.
Heather helps clients feel empowered in their healing journey by fostering connection and trust. She values each client’s input and believes therapy should be tailored to individual needs and never one-size-fits-all. Heather supports clients in developing tools to manage symptoms, build resilience, and improve their quality of life.
"As a counselor, I implement compassion and empathy to create a safe, comfortable space for clients to be themselves and work towards healing."
Get to know Heather
Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?
I have always had a passion for helping others and began early in my career working in some capacity in the helping profession. I had come to realize the shortage of services in my area, specifically to address trauma and grief, I decided to return to school to become a Professional Counselor to be able to reach more people and offer quality care to those in need.
What types of clients do you work with best?
I have the most experience working with those 14 and up with diagnosis of anxiety, depression, and PTSD, those experiencing grief and loss or have experienced traumatic events in their life.
What type of clients are you most excited to work with?
I view each client as a new opportunity to grow. I am under the notion that I can take away from my clients as much as I hope they can take away rom me.
What's one thing you wish all clients knew?
I think it is important for clients to know that they do not have to feel ashamed of seeking counseling. Many people suffer with their own struggles while leading a life that is still rewarding and enjoyable.
Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?
I have come to work at Thriveworks as it allows me to give a more personalized approach to treatment. I am a firm believer that quality of care is important when working with individuals and am looking forward to being able to provide that to those that I work with.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by helping others achieve their full potential and show them that they are able to overcome challenges that they may face along the way.
What can clients expect in their first session with you?
During the first session, a client can expect to help provide insight of what leads them to counseling and discuss goals for their treatment. This session will be used to get to know the client and gain insight on where they are at in their treatment process.
What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?
During the fist session with a client, I hope to build rapport with the client and help them become comfortable. I hope to have them identify their goals while also gaining insight into who they are as a person.
What should clients know about you before scheduling a first session?
I have worked with clients from a variety of age ranges and diagnosed with the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Person=Centered Therapy, and Reality Based Therapy modalities.
What do you do for fun/on your time off?
In my off time, I enjoy camping with my husband, spending time with family, especially my granddaughter, and connecting with friends. I also am the founder of a scholarship fund in which i work on fundraising efforts to raise funds to give back to student's going into a helping field.
What's one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?
I am a resilient person who has taken a situation of significant loss and has turned it into the ability to help others along their way.
Other areas of focus
Education and training
- Years in practice
- 20 years
- Graduating institute
- Capella University
- Graduating degree
- Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Additional details
Practice information
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