Building new pathways toward healing and growth.
Heather Harper, AMFT
Associate Marriage and Family therapist
What itās like to work with me.
My goal as a therapist is to provide a supportive space where you can navigate lifeās challenges with greater ease, clarity, and confidence. Whether you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or worn down by daily demands, therapy offers a safe place to be yourself, feel heard, and begin building new pathways toward healing and growth.
As a mother of two young adults who experience the world differently, and one neurotypical teen, I have firsthand insight into the joys and complexities of navigating both individual needs and family dynamics. This personal journey has deeply influenced my work and strengthened my empathy for children, teens, and adults who may feel misunderstood or weighed down by anxiety, depression, or identity concerns.
I specialize in supporting the neurodivergent population, as well as those struggling with anxiety, relationship challenges, or transitions across the lifespan. I believe every personās story matters, and Iām committed to honoring culture, identity, and lived experiences as essential parts of the healing process.
Whether you are coming to therapy as an individual, a couple, or a family, I will meet you where you are and walk alongside you as you develop resilience, deeper connections, and a greater sense of self.
My Specialties
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When we work together, weāll start by exploring whatās fueling your anxietyāwhether itās current stressors, past experiences, or patterns in your relationships. Iāll help you notice and understand your triggers, while also looking at how early attachments may still be shaping how you cope today.
Using cognitive behavioral therapy, weāll work on reshaping unhelpful thought patterns, and Iāll guide you in practicing mindfulness techniques that bring calm and clarity. Together, weāll build tools to manage overwhelming emotions and create healthier ways of coping in your daily life.
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In our work together, weāll embrace both the strengths and challenges that come with thinking and experiencing the world differently. I see neurodivergence as a unique way of beingāfull of creativity, depth, and perspective. At the same time, I understand the difficulties that can arise when navigating a world often designed for neurotypical individuals.
As a parent of neurodivergent young adults, I also bring personal insight and compassion in supporting parents and families. Together, weāll focus on advocacy, empowerment, and building deeper, more connected relationships.
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When working with children and teens in therapy, I use creative and developmentally appropriate approachesāsuch as play, art, journaling, and open dialogueāto give them safe and authentic ways to express themselves. These tools not only help them process emotions but also make therapy feel engaging and accessible.
Alongside this, I integrate evidence-based techniques, including cognitive behavioral strategies, to support them in building coping skills, strengthening self-awareness, managing emotions, and developing healthier ways to navigate challenges, relationships, and daily stressors.
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Life transitionsāsuch as career changes, becoming a parent, navigating relationship shifts, experiencing an empty nest, working through grief, or going through perimenopause and menopauseācan bring stress and uncertainty. I offer compassion and affirmation as we explore these changes together, creating a safe space to process what youāre experiencing. Together, weāll develop coping strategies to help you adjust, find balance, and move forward with resilience and hope.
MY GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Empathy
I honor and understand your experiences through my own life journey, whether itās feelings of loss, anxiety, anger, or other life challenges. I believe every emotion and life trial is valid and worthy of acknowledgment.
Receptivity
I approach each session without judgment, with a genuine interest in understanding your perspective. My goal is to create a safe space where you feel free to explore your true thoughts and feelings, even around the toughest issues.
Respect and Positive Regard
I hold deep respect for my clients, recognizing that you are the expert of your own story. I honor your experiences and choices while supporting your growth..
Gentle Guidance
While you are the expert of your journey, I provide guidance and support along the way. Together, we can explore past experiences, uncover hidden patterns, and develop tools to navigate anxiety, stress, and lifeās challenges with greater clarity and confidence.
TRAINING & EDUCATION
Iām committed to ongoing education & training to best support you and your family.
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
AMFT #158039 - CaliforniaMaster of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Supervised by Virginia Chavez, LPCC #12109 ā California
Attachment Based Therapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
IFS Informed
Narrative Therapy
ERP Therapy