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OUR THERAPISTS

Heather Stephenson, PhD

HEH-thr  STEE-ven-sen

She/Her/Hers

About Heather

2022 H headshot.jpg

Please call me Heather

I have been an Illinois Licensed Clinical Psychologist since 2017 and a member of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) to practice telehealth in participating states.  

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I received my PhD in Clinical Psychology from Brigham Young University and completed a pre-doctoral internship at Duke University Counseling and Psychological Services. My postdoctoral fellowships were at University of Arkansas Counseling and Psychological Services and Mindful Psychology Associates in Evanston, IL.

Specialties

  • Multiculturalism and Intersecting identities:

    • Race, Nationality, Culture, Religion, Sexual Identity and Orientation, and/or Gender Identity/Presentation

  • LGBTQIA* Identities

  • Spirituality

  • College Student / Graduate Student concerns

  • Trauma

  • Self-harm

  • Suicidality and step-down from IOP/PHP or hospitalization

My Clients

I work best with clients who are looking to make lasting change in their life. Often my clients are emerging adults forming their identity or adults experiencing a life transition. Together we identify what authenticity means for them and the barriers to expressing their true self (emotions, desires, needs) with others. We challenge assumptions of self and others and identify ways for the individual to understand and manage intense emotions and utilize these to effect change in their life.

Clinical Approach

I approach therapy from an existential worldview with a psychodynamic approach to help clients better understand their distress. I tailor therapeutic interventions to the specific needs of each client with the goal of empowering my clients to make meaningful decisions regarding their well-being and safety. Therapy is often difficult and I work to create a safe space for each client to show authenticity and genuineness.

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I believe that successful therapy must start with courage and trust between persons. Trust is strengthened when the personalities of the therapist and client are congruent and the client feels free to engage therapy in a style that is authentic to them, while also challenging the status quo. I do not think there is any one right way to do therapy, but effective therapy is forged through relationships and attending to the needs of the individual in the here and now. I believe that current and past experiences and relationships interact with how we perceive ourselves and our place in the world. I work with clients to understand how important relationships and events shape behavior. We explore areas of control as well as limits to change. Through this exploration we identify current ways of coping and interacting that empowers the individual to live more fully and authentically.

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