Mark Heffernan

As a queer therapist in recovery, I know the isolation of "one-size-fits-all" treatment. Recovery should feel like coming home, rather than fitting a mold that wasn't built for you. Whether you're navigating sobriety, gambling, harm reduction, or sober curiosity, your identity should be celebrated, not just tolerated. With dual licensure (LCADC/LSW) and 7 years in co-occurring care, I support queer and male-identifying clients ready to trade performance for authenticity. I support sex-positivity, monogamy, polyamory, and those seeking a more radical activation in their recovery journey. I am trans friendly and trans supportive.

I see the client–counselor dynamic as a real, authentic relationship. I’m trauma-informed and deeply curious about how past relationships shape the way you show up for yourself today. Together, we can use the strengths and vulnerabilities that emerge in our work as a kind of laboratory for change—helping your recovery take on new meaning in ways you may not have experienced before therapy. Over time, the insights and emotional shifts you experience in our sessions can become part of your everyday life, especially in the moments when you need support the most.

In early sessions, we'll explore your substance use history, your defenses, and how they became your way of surviving. As our relationship grows, we'll uncover avoided feelings—where deeper work begins. My hope is for you to observe yourself speaking about yourself with less judgment and more freedom, feeling more fully than ever before. Im excited to connect with you!