Heather Bielefeldt

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with extensive experience providing compassionate, person-centered therapy to adults navigating anxiety, depression, serious mental illness, trauma, and complex life stressors. My clinical background spans community mental health, supportive housing, and outreach-based services, allowing me to work effectively with individuals facing co-occurring disorders, housing instability, and major life transitions.

I believe therapy works best when clients feel heard, respected, and supported without judgment. My approach is collaborative and practical, helping clients identify strengths, build coping skills, and move toward meaningful, sustainable change at their own pace.

My work is grounded in evidence-based practices and individualized treatment planning. I focus on meeting clients where they are, while gently challenging unhelpful patterns and supporting growth. I integrate elements of:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Motivational Interviewing
• Illness Management and Recovery (IMR)
• Psychiatric Rehabilitation
• Wellness and strengths-based approaches

I place a strong emphasis on real-world application—helping clients manage symptoms, improve daily functioning, and increase confidence in their ability to handle life’s challenges.

Starting therapy for the first time (or starting again) can bring up a lot of questions — and that’s completely normal. The first session is mainly about getting to know each other and making sure therapy feels like a good fit for you.

We’ll spend time talking about what brought you to therapy, what you’re hoping to work on, and any concerns you may have. There’s no pressure to share everything at once. You’re always in control of what you feel comfortable discussing.

I’ll also ask some questions about your background, current stressors, and what’s been helpful (or not helpful) in the past. This helps me understand you as a whole person and begin shaping an approach that works for you.

You can expect the session to feel more like a conversation than an interview. My goal is to create a supportive, relaxed space where you can feel heard, respected, and understood.

Before we wrap up, we’ll talk about next steps — including goals, session frequency, and any questions you have about the therapy process. Many clients leave the first session feeling relieved, clearer about their situation, and reassured that they don’t have to handle things alone.

If you’re feeling nervous, that’s okay. You don’t need to prepare anything special — just come as you are.