Heather Vliet (she/her)

Attachment Theory

Attachment theory and its connection to the field of interpersonal neurobiology is exciting in its implications for treatment! I help children and families build the skills of reflection, empathy and validation that are needed for children to develop secure attachment and healthy self-confidence. When life's challenges have injured these primary relationships, our work is essential for healing.

Family Systems

None of us stand alone -- we are formed and shaped by the interactions we have within our families. To understand the struggles of the individual, it is important to understand and often include important family relationships. My work with families honors all the different ways that people come together to care and nurture one another!

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I work with clients to manage their symptoms of anxiety and depression utilizing CBT strategies. This approach is practical, directive and hands on. We'll talk about how thoughts, feelings and behaviors are connected and how to effect positive change by 'doing' differently. Also, in working with children, CBT is very effective in identifying areas for skills training and growth.

Parenting

Parenting is tremendously challenging! It is my honor to support parents as they learn and put into practice new strategies, strengthen their relationship with their co-parent(s), clarify their family's goals and values and negotiate current cultural pressures.

Family Conflict

One of my strengths as a Child and Family therapist is working with families who find themselves caught in a cycle of escalating conflict and disconnection. I utilize an evidenced-based intervention called Collaborative Problem Solving which emphasizes positive communication and relationship building as well as building skills which will resolve problem durably.

Child or Adolescent Issues

I have been working with youth well over ten years first as a teacher and then as a mental health therapist. My graduate training emphasized the unique developmental needs of children, effective treatment strategies and how best to engage the entire family system in therapy. I enjoy working with families, supporting their relationships with one another as they work towards making positive changes.

Adjustment Disorder

Children and teens sometimes struggle to successfully negotiate life's ups and down -- adjustment to transitions, losses and stressors bring them into counseling to learn more adaptive ways of relating and managing.

PTSD

I have extensive experience working with children who have been or are currently involved in foster care, the juvenile justice system or have experienced traumatic loss or transitions. Many of these children and their families exhibit symptoms of trauma and require clinical support and guidance as they process the trauma, develop new skills and build healthy and supportive relationships.