Heather Widmer-Lovesey
MA, LMHC, IAT-Certified, ART-Trained
LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR (MH12076)
Certified integrated attachment theory therapist
CERTIFIED SYMBIS PREMARITAL ASSESSMENT FACILITATOR
ACCELERATED RESOLUTION THERAPY (ART) TRAINED
I may be a little biased, but counseling is awesome! This is the best step anyone could take for themselves, so congratulations! I recognize that it’s an honor and blessing to be light in another’s darkness and I absolutely love being a therapist. As someone who has experienced life’s hardships and has had to do my own work to gain self-love and awareness, I understand how big of a step it takes for my clients to do the same.
Since joining CCST in 2014, I have grown a strong passion for helping individuals who struggle with impacts of childhood trauma which has created not only attachment wounds, but self worth and identity issues as a result. In our time together we will work hard to target core wounded beliefs as well as identifying/replacing the “not so helpful” coping tools and behaviors that have developed as a result of the trauma or life experiences.
Identity work doesn’t just benefit those who have trauma, though. Maybe you’re a teen who is trying to figure out who you are, maybe you’re a step mom trying to find your identity within your blended family, maybe you’re fresh out of college and dealing with imposter syndrome or anxiety. Whether you have trauma or not, the majority of individuals have some kind of wounded belief system that impacts their life, view of self or others, so let’s start healing and seeing yourself as God does!
In addition, although I love working at a faith based practice where I can do God’s work and guide other Christians in their healing journey, I enjoy working with individuals of all different backgrounds and beliefs. I believe I’m living out my calling by helping all people and still providing a space of safety, comfort, and love.
I primarily work with young females (12+) , and adults (male and female) of all ages in areas including but not limited to:
Trauma Recovery/Impacts of childhood emotional neglect
Attachment issues (attachment styles, codependency and relationship issues, boundary issues)
Self esteem and identity
Mood disorders (depression, anxiety)
Grief
Addiction recovery - on an outpatient level
In therapy sessions, I like to utilize cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic techniques. I also believe what you do outside therapy is where you will see your results, so don’t be surprised if you walk away with “homework”.
I am trained and utilize an evidenced based, eye movement technique called Accelerated Resolution Therapy with clients who struggle with flashbacks/image triggers and emotional “stuckness”. ART has been used to resolve trauma, mood disorders and various other concerns. You can read more about ART on our website.
In combination with ART, I have received training and have become certified in integrated attachment theory. This theory allows us to look at how our early development plays an influence on our beliefs about self, the world around us, and why choose particular partners and behave/cope in relationships the way we do.
In addition, I am also a certified SYMBIS premarital assessment facilitator. I love seeing the uniqueness each couple brings to session and I am confident the use of the research-comprised SYMBIS assessment will help couples gain the skills and tools they need to enter into marriage well prepared.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my husband and being a step mom! I love traveling and hiking, concerts, going to hockey games, and being creative in ways such as singing, music and attending art events.