Heather Shaver, LCSW - Therapist in Florida

About Heather

Heather Shaver is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 20 years of experience. She focuses on family and parenting concerns alongside stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, addiction, relationship challenges, eating and sleeping problems, and coping with life changes. Heather is straightforward and calm in sessions, helping people find practical steps to manage what feels overwhelming.

Her first work was as a victim advocate for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, and she has since worked in juvenile justice residential substance abuse, hospice care, home health, and independent practice.

Background and approach

That range gave her experience with crisis work and long-term care. She now serves as a Director of Mental Health Services working with chronically ill adults in Florida. Heather uses common-sense techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.

She begins by listening and meeting clients where they are, then offers simple tools to try between sessions. The goal is steady progress rather than sudden change. Sessions move at a practical pace.

Heather prioritizes building trust first, then works on specific goals like improving communication, setting boundaries, or managing symptoms day to day. She explains tools in clear terms and checks in on what is working. Her training includes a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida and a Master of Social Work from the University of Central Florida.

Heather holds Florida licensure FL LCSW SW12749 and conducts work in English.

How Heather’s Approaches Work Online

Heather commonly draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma-Focused Therapy in her online work. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people spot and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can reduce anxiety, depression, and sleep or eating disruptions. Trauma-Focused Therapy gives space to process past harms safely and build skills to manage triggers and distress.

She also uses Motivational Interviewing to help people find their own reasons for change and to set realistic goals. Sessions tend to be collaborative - Heather listens, suggests approaches, and adjusts methods based on what the person prefers and how they respond. Finding the right mix of techniques is part of the work together.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to keep therapy consistent when life gets busy or mobility is limited. Heather aims to make each session practical and focused so clients leave with clear next steps.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Mindfulness Therapy

Attention training: noticing thoughts and physical feelings as they arrive without being carried off by them. Much of it is practice you do yourself, so guidance over video or audio works much as it would in person.

Motivational Interviewing

A way of working through mixed feelings about change without being pushed. The therapist helps you weigh things up and find your own reasons, which often makes a difficult decision feel less stuck.

Frequently asked questions

What issues does Heather address?

Heather supports people with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, compassion fatigue, addictions, relationship and family concerns, eating and sleeping problems, self esteem, career questions, and coping with life changes.

What is her therapy style like?

She uses a down-to-earth approach that starts with listening and building trust. Sessions focus on practical steps and tools clients can try between meetings.

What background does she bring to sessions?

Heather has 20 years of experience, including work as a victim advocate, in juvenile justice residential substance abuse, hospice, home health, independent practice, and as a Director of Mental Health Services for chronically ill adults.

What are her credentials and location?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker - LCSW, licensed in Florida with FL LCSW SW12749, and practices in Florida.

Which languages are supported?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available?

Heather meets by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to offer flexible options for different needs.

How is cost handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 20 years
Licensed: Florida
Languages: English

Next step

Talk to Heather

Takes a few minutes
Nothing to set up just to look
Stop at any point

Book with Heather