Heather Whitefield

Heather Whitefield received her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling at Nova Southeastern University. Heather has extensive background and experience working with individuals of all ages, adults, children, adolescents providing individual, family and group therapy in outpatient, inpatient, and in-home settings. She has experience collaborating services with DCF, DUI/Drug/Family Courts, Targeted Case Management and Law Enforcement as Family Intervention Clinician, working to reunify families struggling with substance abuse, treat trauma and negative family dynamics including guiding parents to utilize appropriate parenting strategies. Additionally, she has extensive experience and training in trauma, abuse, crisis stabilization and conflict management, working as a Licensed Trauma Clinician at Baycare Behavioral Health with adults, adolescents and children, a First Responder/Licensed Crisis Intervention Clinician with the Pasco Mobile Response Team Baycare, as a Suicide Line Counselor and Trauma/Sexual Abuse First Responder on the S.A.R.T. Team at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Heather contracted with the United Way of Pasco, providing therapeutic trauma support for Human Trafficking Survivors. Heather currently works in inpatient psychiatric units and intensive outpatient programs at HCA West Tampa Hospital and HCA South Tampa Hospital, completing assessments, meeting with patients individually and leading groups. Heather also owns a private practice, PsychForte, which provides individual, family, and group therapy, as well as customized workshops/seminars for small companies and large corporate settings.

I believe my strengths are in that I utilize an eclectic approach, customizing several types of interventions to specifically fit each person's needs and challenges. My experience and background help me to better assess and successfully assist individuals in promoting their highest level of healing. I utilize effective interventions but also learn and practice new and improved approaches. I believe it is important to integrate all aspects of an individual to achieve wholeness and promote the healing of the self.

I utilize a variety of treatment approaches including CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Play Therapy, Circle of Security Parenting, Brief Strategic Family Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Anger Management, Motivational Interviewing, and specifically for trauma/abuse, TF-CBT, Child Parent Psychotherapy, HeartMath and EMDR interventions.

My areas of expertise include anxiety, depression, grief, LGBTQ, anger management, substance abuse, domestic violence, ADHD, self-esteem building, coping with bullying, gifted children, assisting with positive social interaction strategies, family conflict management, include trauma/abuse, PTSD, suicidal ideation, self-harm and group therapy.

In our sessions you can expect to work together in a safe, confidential and supportive environment, where I can compassionately assist you in overcoming your challenges. I utilize several person-centered, evidence-based approaches, that I will customize specifically for you and your challenges.