Heather Belts, LMHCA

Heather Belt’s Therapist Disclosure Statement <<< (Clickable)

Welcome to a space where your inner world is honored, explored, and understood. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate, I am dedicated to guiding individuals on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

Grounded in principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), family systems theory, somatic therapy, multicultural counseling, and attachment theory, my approach is holistic and client-centered. I believe in the power of creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of judgment.

I am committed to fostering inclusivity and diversity in my practice, having undertaken extensive work to recognize and dismantle my own internal biases. Regardless of your background or identity, I strive to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and valued.

Together, we will collaborate to uncover patterns of thought and behavior that may be hindering your growth and well-being. Through a combination of evidence-based techniques and compassionate support, I aim to empower you to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and authenticity.

It would be an honor to accompany you on your journey towards self-awareness, healing, and growth. Reach out today, and let’s begin this transformative process together.

In my free time, I enjoy photography, snowboarding and hiking. I am a PNW native and love exploring new outdoor spots with my Australian Shepherd.

Specialties and areas of focus

Depression
Anxiety
Grief/loss
Trauma
Self-esteem
Relationship issues
Women
Teens
Cancer

Q&A with Heather

1.) Some therapists are more comfortable addressing the immediate problem, while others want to focus on the deeper issue. Which are you?

My approach tends to lean towards exploring the deeper underlying issues that may be contributing to the presenting problem. By understanding the deeper layers of your thoughts, emotion, and experience, together we can uncover the underlying dynamics that influence your current challenges. This approach allows for a more comprehensive exploration of your inner world, leading to insights that can facilitate lasting change and transformation.

I also recognize the importance of meeting clients where they are and tailoring my approach to their individual needs and preferences. If immediate coping skills are necessary for managing distress or crisis situations, we can work on addressing immediate problems. Ultimately, my goal is to create a therapeutic space where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences authentically and engage in meaningful self-discovery.

2.) Do you tend to lead the session, or follow my lead?

In our sessions, I prioritize following your lead. I believe that you are the expert on yourself, and my role is to support you in exploring your experiences, thoughts, and feelings in a way that feels most meaningful and productive to you. I believe that you hold the wisdom and insight necessary to guide our sessions towards areas that are most relevant and important to you.

While I may offer insights, reflections, and therapeutic techniques along the way, I strive to maintain a collaborative approach where your preferences, goals, and comfort level are respected and honored. Together, we co-create a therapeutic journey that is tailored to your unique needs and aspirations, allowing you to feel empowered and in control of your own healing process.

3.) What are your strengths as a therapist?

One of my core strengths as a therapist lies in my ability to build a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients. I believe that the foundation of successful therapy is based on trust, empathy, and collaboration. By creating a safe and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, understood, and respected, I aim to establish a genuine connection that fosters openness and vulnerability.

Additionally, I strive to cultivate a sense of empathy and compassion in our interactions, recognizing and validating your experiences without judgment. Through active listening, genuine curiosity, and unconditional positive regard, I seek to understand your perspective and support you in exploring your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

4.) If you had one superpower, what would it be and why?

I would choose the ability to control reality. I would choose this power because then anything I could imagine could be made possible! I’d love to live in a world with no limitations.

5.) What makes you laugh?

Wordplay and witty conversations, as well as seeing my Australian Shepherd make goofy faces!

6.) Who would you have dinner with, dead or alive?

I would sit down with my future self at the end of my life. I’d want to gain insights into what matters to me at that point and learn from any regrets or missed opportunities I may have encountered along life’s journey. By talking to my future self, I’d have the chance to understand the person I will become and to proactively address any aspirations or changes I wish to make before they come to pass.