Heather Totten, MA, LMFT

You have the power to change your life. We all have moments when we struggle with periods of difficult transitions, relationship conflict and loss. At times we become overwhelmed with feelings of sadness, worry and confusion, not knowing where to turn for answers. We get disconnected from our authentic self and lose touch with our life's meaning and purpose. I believe we all have an inner wisdom that we sometimes lose track of. Together we can work to identify obstacles and formulate strategies to help you unlock your full potential, pursue your goals, and make the changes you are seeking. I will help you sort through your thoughts and feelings so you can rediscover your power and reclaim your life. My practice is dedicated to listening carefully to my clients' concerns and offering insight with compassion and understanding. I provide a warm, empathetic and non-judgmental space I am not the kind of therapist that sits passively and nods. I listen intently to what you have to say and help you make sense of what life has thrown at you. I am active, honest and real. My clients can count on me for an authentic relationship. My goal is to provide you with the experience of working through your challenges with the support, understanding, and perspective of another person who has your best interest at heart as you find your own answers.

I have been trained in a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities. My primary theoretical orientation is psychodynamic and relational, which means that I often pay special attention to how interpersonal dynamics may be relevant in your symptoms and struggles, and how interpersonal experiences throughout your life may contribute to your current pattern of relating. Through developing insight, we can work together to determine which aspects of these patterns are working for you and which aspects are not. These insights can be a catalyst to significant positive life changes. During our work together I frequently incorporate cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful thinking styles that may contribute to your symptoms and struggles. Through this process we will actively challenge and replace maladaptive thoughts and beliefs with more realistic and helpful alternatives. I will also assist you in concrete and active problem-solving as needed, which may include developing specific behavioral plans and coping strategies. ​

Seeing a therapist is not a personal failure or weakness. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, nearly half of all Americans have sought out some form of mental health treatment. Having the courage to talk to a professional is actually a sign of strength and resilience. Through talk therapy, people understand themselves and others better. Talk therapy teaches us healthy ways of processing and expressing emotions, dealing with other people (including our inner self), and coping with circumstances we can and cannot control. I understand it is difficult to open up to a stranger and I strive to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere to help you feel comfortable and put you at ease right from the beginning. I will ask you questions in an effort to get to know you and the issues you are struggling with. We will formulate treatment goals and what you would like to achieve from therapy. I will never pressure you to reveal sensitive or painful information before you are ready. I will also never pressure you to make changes in your life you are not ready to make.