Heather Rainey

I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and EMDR Certified Therapist with over a decade of experience helping adults heal from trauma, anxiety, and the lasting impact of difficult life experiences. Before starting my private practice, I spent many years providing mental health services in public schools, supporting adolescents and families through crisis, substance use concerns, and emotional challenges. Those experiences strengthened my ability to help people navigate life's most difficult moments with compassion, curiosity, and practical support.

Today, I work exclusively with adults across Virginia and West Virginia who are ready to move beyond simply coping and begin creating lasting change. Many of my clients are high-functioning, caring people who have spent much of their lives putting others first. They often identify as the responsible one, the caretaker, or the peacekeeper in their families and relationships. While these roles helped them survive, they can also lead to anxiety, burnout, perfectionism, difficulty setting boundaries, and feeling disconnected from themselves.

I specialize in working with adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, low self-worth, relationship challenges, and the effects of childhood emotional wounds, including parentification. I also have extensive experience supporting individuals in recovery from substance use and those who have been impacted by addiction within their families. My goal is to help clients feel safer in their minds, bodies, and relationships so they can live with greater confidence, balance, and authenticity.

I believe that healing happens when people feel genuinely understood, accepted, and emotionally safe. Therapy is not about fixing who you are. It's about understanding how your experiences have shaped you and learning new ways to respond that align with the life you want to live.

My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and grounded in evidence-based practices. As an EMDR Certified Therapist, I integrate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with Internal Family Systems (IFS)-informed parts work, mindfulness, and other trauma-informed approaches to help clients process painful experiences rather than simply manage symptoms.

I strive to create a space where you can be honest without fear of judgment. Together, we'll explore patterns that may no longer serve you, strengthen your connection with yourself, and build practical tools that support lasting emotional well-being. I believe that meaningful change is possible when we address the root causes of distress instead of only treating the symptoms.

Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and determine whether we're a good fit. We'll discuss what has brought you to therapy, the challenges you're currently facing, and what you hope will be different as a result of our work together.

I'll ask questions about your personal history, relationships, and current concerns so I can better understand your experiences within the context of your life. There is no expectation that you share everything at once. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable and safe for you.

By the end of our first session, you'll have a clearer understanding of how I work, and we'll begin identifying goals that reflect what matters most to you. My hope is that you'll leave feeling heard, understood, and encouraged that meaningful change is possible.