Hi, I’m Heather

I’m a licensed therapist in Arkansas, helping children, teens, young adults and their families navigate anxiety, depression, trauma and grief with grace and find connection and happiness.

What I have to offer

Finding the right support for your child or family can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. I specialize in working with children, teens, young adults, and their families, offering a safe and compassionate space for healing and growth. From the earliest stages of infancy through age 25, I help clients build resilience, strengthen relationships, and discover new ways to cope with life’s challenges.

My approach is rooted in evidence-based practices such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Child-Parent Psychotherapy, while also incorporating the power of child-centered play. Whether we’re addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or adjustment to life changes, I tailor each session to meet your child or family’s unique needs. Therapy can take the form of individual work, family sessions, or a combination of both—always guided by the belief that relationships are central to healing.

I am also deeply committed to supporting parents and caregivers as they walk alongside their children. Together, we work on creating safe, secure, and nurturing environments that foster emotional growth and connection.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward healing for yourself, your child, or your family, I would be honored to walk with you. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and begin the journey toward growth, connection, and hope..

Infant Mental Health Children Teen and Family Therapy, Fort Smith Arkansas

Insurance

I understand that therapy can be a significant investment. I offer private-pay options for clients who do not have insurance. My regular fee is $200 per session; I also offer a sliding scale for clients with financial need. I accept BCBS (including Federal and Municipal), Ambetter, Qualchoice, UHC/UMR, and Medicaid, including PASSE.

My Therapy Modalities

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a proven approach designed to help children, teens, and their families heal after experiencing trauma. This therapy combines education, coping skills, and gentle processing of difficult memories in a safe and supportive way. TF-CBT not only helps young people manage overwhelming emotions like anxiety, fear, or sadness, but also strengthens the parent-child relationship to create a foundation of safety and trust. The goal is to empower children and families to move forward with greater resilience, confidence, and hope.

  • Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) is a relationship-based approach that helps young children and their caregivers heal after stressful or traumatic experiences. In CPP, both the child and parent participate together in sessions, creating a safe space to strengthen their bond, process difficult feelings, and rebuild a sense of trust and security. Through play, conversation, and guidance, children learn new ways to cope while caregivers gain tools to support their child’s emotional well-being. The goal is to nurture healing within the relationship so both child and parent feel more connected, supported, and resilient.

  • Child-Centered Play Therapy is a developmentally appropriate approach that gives children the freedom to express themselves through play—their natural language. In this safe and supportive environment, children can explore their feelings, practice problem-solving, and build confidence while the therapist gently guides the process. Play therapy helps children work through challenges such as anxiety, mood changes, grief, or behavioral struggles in a way that feels natural and empowering. By allowing children to lead the process, this therapy fosters emotional growth, resilience, and stronger connections with others.

    When your child comes to play therapy, the session is designed to feel safe, welcoming, and comfortable. The therapy room is equipped with toys, art supplies, and creative materials that allow your child to express themselves in ways that feel natural. During sessions, your child leads the play while the therapist observes, listens, and gently engages to help them work through feelings and experiences.

    Play may look like storytelling, drawing, role-playing with figures, or building with blocks—but underneath, important emotional work is taking place. Through play, children can process big feelings, experiment with new coping skills, and develop confidence in navigating challenges. Parents are often included through regular check-ins, so you stay informed and supported in understanding your child’s growth.

    The goal is not to “fix” a child’s behavior, but to give them a space where they feel seen, understood, and empowered to grow emotionally and relationally.

  • Infant Mental Health focuses on supporting the emotional and social development of babies and toddlers by strengthening the parent-child relationship. From the very beginning of life, a child’s sense of safety, security, and trust is built through their connection with caregivers. When challenges such as stress, trauma, medical issues, or family changes occur, these early relationships can feel disrupted.

    Infant Mental Health therapy provides a nurturing space where parents and caregivers can better understand their child’s needs, respond in ways that build connection, and foster healthy attachment. Together, we focus on creating a foundation of safety and resilience that supports not only your baby’s development but also your confidence and well-being as a caregiver.

    Why Infant Mental Health Matters
    The first years of life are a critical time for emotional, social, and cognitive development. Babies and toddlers learn about the world and themselves through their relationships with caregivers. When these early connections are strong, children develop confidence, emotional regulation, and the ability to form healthy relationships later in life.

    Early challenges—like trauma, stress, medical concerns, or family changes—can impact a child’s sense of safety and well-being. Infant Mental Health support helps address these challenges early, giving parents and caregivers tools to respond sensitively and strengthen their bond. By investing in these early relationships, you are setting the foundation for your child’s lifelong resilience, emotional growth, and ability to thrive.