Heather Wheeler
Licensed Associate Professional Counselor
Welcome! Here you are, considering a deeper investment in your wellbeing.
What if this investment is the next right step for you and those that you care for? Typically we can’t provide good, lasting help to others when we aren’t well ourselves. I invite you into doing ‘the work’ so you can flourish internally and within your most meaningful relationships. And so you can begin to form healthy relationships where there’s longing.
Working with me will be a collaborative, go- at-your-own pace, process of getting comfortable and feeling safe enough to open up. It will include learning how to care for yourself in the midst of doing this work. Therapy will also help gauge when you are ready and able to make the changes you’d like to.
You can expect relief as we acknowledge parts of life and self that have been set aside. You may experience discomfort due to the vulnerability involved. My hope is that you experience deep joy throughout the process as well. It’s important, nuanced work you’re entering into, so we can fluctuate the approach session to session depending on what’s needed.
Honesty and vulnerability will help me understand you better. And, it may take time to grow that level of trust.
Honesty and vulnerability will give you the most influence and control over what’s ‘yours’ in therapy.
My goal is to understand you and ‘get it right’. And, I will miss the mark sometimes. Because of this reality, it’s important you have the chance to tell me. You are always welcome to bring it up, and you can rest in the fact that these conversations are part of making progress. Your job is to show up as honestly as you can, not to worry about the therapist. If this is generally hard for you in other relationships – aka people pleasing – we can address it. Many people coming to therapy struggle with this, so you’re not alone.
A little about me…
I enjoy doing life with my family and friends, and greatly value my spiritual community! I’m married and have a big, white, fluffy dog. I like staying active outside and in the gym. I’m passionate about living life well– which to me means being honest with myself and loved ones about my values and goals, and then living those out. In reality this looks like trying, making mistakes, having fun, and learning just like anyone else.
Part of my purpose includes being a therapist! I have always been drawn to come alongside others, and provide space for them and what they’re experiencing. I have walked alongside couples, families, individuals, and teens within my clinical therapy career and by volunteering in community and church environments. What has remained true is my desire to sit with people, be present, and support their path to values-based living.
Training & Experience
MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Richmont Graduate University
BA Advertising, University of Georgia
National Certified Counselor
Tele-Health Certification
Experience in Residential and PHP/IOP Addiction Treatment Centers
Areas of Focus
Families – Leading families affected by addiction to develop boundaries and more effective patterns of relating.
Couples – Collaborating with couples to identify unhelpful patterns and to begin to establish a more secure connection.
Life Transitions – Assisting individuals navigating life transitions, such as; relocating, marriage, graduating, empty-nester life, raising kids across multiple families, and caregiving for aging parents.
Teens – Providing a safe space for teens to process and manage stressors, while supporting their caregivers to make beneficial changes for their family system.
Christian Counseling – Joining individuals who value integration of Christian faith with counseling, exploration of doubt and questioning, and development of spiritual identity.
Therapy Modalities
Attachment Theory
Emotionally Focused Therapy
Person-Centered
And as needed: CBT and DBT
*Under Supervision of Victoria Hicks, LMFT, LPC, CPCS
