Heather-Leigh Nies

** PLEASE NOTE: Due to contractual and insurance agreements, Heather-Leigh can provide only individual counselling through Headway.

She does offer relationship counselling for private pay clients outside of Headway. Please visit StorieBrook.com for details.

Heather-Leigh is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a deep commitment to social justice, mental health accessibility, and advocacy. She holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Georgia, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy, Nonprofit Management, and Leadership. She also has certifications in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW) at Tulane University.

As a therapist, I approach our work together with an open heart, a deep respect for your lived experience, and a commitment to collaboration. My therapeutic approach is rooted in an eclectic blend of strength-based somatic therapies, where we honor the connection between mind and body. I believe healing comes through both exploration and play, and I strive to create a space where you feel safe to explore the “sticky bits” between who you are and the systems that shape your identity. My work is shaped by a strong social justice framework, prioritizing empathy, accessibility, and inclusivity for all clients, particularly those in marginalized communities such as LGBTQIA+, kink, and polyamorous folks. I view therapy as a process of mutual learning, where I walk alongside you as a collaborator rather than an expert. I trust that you are the foremost authority on your own life, and my role is to provide support, tools, and insights that help you move toward growth and healing. Whether through somatic techniques, traditional talk therapy, or advocacy, my aim is always to meet you where you are and help you cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself and your place in the world.

You can expect an open curiosity and desire to connect from the first session through our last. My goal is to help you be the best "you" you can be. I am not the expert. My clients are experts in themselves. I am simply an educated and informed collaborator.