I'm Heather Friedman, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor in Florida. I earned my Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida. With over a decade of experience in private practice, I specialize in working with children (ages 5 and up), adolescents, adults, and families, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and associated therapeutic techniques. I have received national certification training in Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) through the Behavior Therapy Training Institute, concentrating on OCD, anxiety, and phobia disorders. Additionally, I am certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) from the APSAC Colloquium, specializing in trauma treatment for children and adolescents. My approach also integrates Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Cognitive Therapy, along with CBT-focused play therapy and expressive arts for younger clients. My therapeutic philosophy centers on accepting ourselves where we are while striving for growth in areas of concern. I aim to create a safe, relaxed, and nurturing environment where my clients can foster change and personal growth, leveraging their strengths. For children and adolescents, I specialize in ADHD, OCD, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, bipolar II, substance abuse, at-risk behaviors, sibling dynamics, self-esteem, identity, children of divorce/separation, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). For adults clients, my areas of expertise include ADHD, OCD, grief, anxiety, depression, bipolar II, parenting & co-parenting, family conflict resolution, life transitions, and supporting spouses of partners struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues. About me personally… I am a nature-loving boy mom, wife, advocate, educator, and friend who enjoys quality time with my family and the simple things in life. In addition to my clinical work, I serve as an adjunct professor focusing on life skills and student success. Being a mother of twins and married to a firefighter, I have firsthand experience with the unique challenges that families of multiples and members of the EMS community encounter. I find great satisfaction in providing support to others in similar situations. I have learned through my own experiences that the foundation of wellness is living by the 3 Hs- humility, humor, and honesty. I try my best to bring these fundamentals into my practice, as well as practice them in my daily life. I am honored to work with every individual and family I encounter in this field, and I find great fulfillment in helping others navigate through their own special journey.
