PuttingFamilyFirst

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HF Portrait of Heather Friend
Online therapist

Heather Friend

Warm, practical support for life changes

Credentials
LCSW, CSW
Experience
8 years
Licensed in
Colorado, Michigan, Illinois
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Heather

Heather Friend is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, relationship strain, addiction, parenting questions, and mood challenges. She greets new clients with a warm, open attitude and a focus on practical steps. Heather aims to help people feel steadier and more confident in daily life.

Her style is collaborative and paced to each person. She listens without judgment and works with clients to identify small, doable changes.

Background and approach

Sessions emphasize noticing strengths and building emotional clarity so people can manage hard moments more easily. Heather uses several proven approaches, including cognitive behavioral techniques to spot unhelpful thoughts and acceptance methods to make space for difficult feelings. She also draws on attachment ideas to understand relationship patterns and client-centered skills that keep the session focused on what matters to the client.

Across eight years of practice she has supported people dealing with trauma, ADHD, compassion fatigue, body image concerns, grief, and changes in work or life circumstances. She also addresses areas like intimacy-related struggles, sleep or eating concerns, and caregiver stress. Heather offers flexible scheduling with weekday, evening, and weekend options.

She accepts international clients and provides sessions from Colorado in English. Messaging between sessions is available for extra support when needed.

Therapeutic approaches and accessible online care

Heather uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help people spot and change thoughts and behaviors that get in the way of daily functioning. CBT is practical and often focuses on small, concrete skills that reduce anxiety, improve mood, or address sleep and eating habits.

She also draws from attachment-based therapy to look at relationship patterns and how early bonds shape reactions today. That approach helps when struggles show up in intimacy, caregiver stress, or ongoing relationship cycles. Client-centered therapy is another part of her practice, which means sessions focus on the client's priorities and move at a comfortable pace.

Choosing the right approach is a team effort. Heather will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most helpful. Together they will try methods that fit and adjust over time based on what works.

Online therapy here is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy lives, allow steady contact between sessions, and provide flexibility for people living in different places.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Heather address?
She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, depression, parenting questions, grief, trauma and abuse, addictions, ADHD, and intimacy-related concerns.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. Sessions focus on practical steps, building confidence, and pacing work to what feels manageable.
What is her professional background?
Heather has eight years of clinical experience as a licensed social worker working with people facing emotional and life challenges.
Which credentials and location apply to her practice?
She holds LCSW and CSW credentials with licence numbers IL LCSW 149026353 and CO LCSW CSW.09927984, and practices from Colorado.
Which languages and international services are available?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
Therapy is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to match different needs and schedules.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Heather?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's calendar.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Experience
8 years
Licensed
Colorado, Michigan, Illinois, Louisiana
Languages
English

Next step

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