Heather Taft LMHCA, SUDP
Psychotherapist
(she/her)
During the course of life, we will inevitably experience many challenges. While some of these events have the capacity to increase our resilience, other experiences have the power to overwhelm our ability to cope. The urge to pull away from pain is instinctual, and today’s modern society is filled with countless opportunities to numb, distract, and avoid. Unfortunately, avoidance strategies rarely solve the problem. As distractions become less and less effective, it is not uncommon to begin noticing increased feelings of emptiness or a sense that something vital is missing from our lives. Often, it is difficult to identify the source of our discontentment as well as the factors that might be maintaining the problem. Finding the right support can make all the difference. The power of human connection cannot be overstated. There is incredible curative power in our relationships. Even under the most traumatic circumstances, healing is possible in the presence of another human being when safety, empathy, and genuine understanding are present. Under these conditions, post-traumatic stress can lead to post-traumatic growth. We can begin to integrate past hurt and fully engage with life again.
I honor the inherent wisdom in each of us, and I view the therapeutic relationship as a collaboration between equals for the purpose of personal growth. I believe in each individual’s intrinsic value and that we are all worthy exactly as we are. My role as therapist encompasses that of a teacher, student, companion, witness, and guide. My approach is warm, genuine, and strengths-based. I strive to build a safe and secure foundation based on trust and mutual respect. Together we confront fears, concerns, and situations with courage, honesty and clarity. I approach individuals from a holistic perspective, considering the physical, emotional, relational, cultural, and spiritual dimensions as important aspects of an individual’s worldview. I practice cultural humility—meaning I will humbly acknowledge our cultural differences and work to gain increased knowledge and understanding of your culture and worldview so that I may better know and serve you. I respect, honor, value, and encourage multiple worldviews.
As a dually credentialed clinician, I am experienced in working with a wide variety of clinical mental health and co-occurring presentations. My specialties include trauma, grief and loss, addiction issues, and perinatal mental health. I enjoy working with diverse populations. I meet with adults and adolescents using a variety of approaches based on specific needs, preferences, and presenting issues. I utilize a variety of evidenced-based modalities. Some techniques I use that have been beneficial to individuals are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to gain awareness of the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with the goal of recognizing and changing unhelpful thought patterns; Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to assist individuals with learning to identify, welcome, allow, and regulate emotions; Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) with a focus on mindfulness, distress tolerance, acceptance, and change strategies, and interpersonal effectiveness; Narrative Therapy to help individuals gain a deeper understanding of their life experiences, help externalize problems, and create a new narrative that more accurately reflects their strengths and values. Additionally, Attachment Parenting is a special interest of mine, including parenting of oneself as an adult.
Areas of Focus
Anxiety and depression
Perinatal Mental Health
Addiction
Women’s issues
Family of Origin Concerns
Major Life Changes
Relational Difficulties
Trauma
Grief and Loss
Fees
$150 for 50 minute individual session
Insurance
I am in-network with Premera and Lifewise. For all other insurers I am an out-of-network provider. I am happy to provide a superbill if requested.
Location
Telehealth sessions are available for clients anywhere in Washington state. In-person sessions are located in the Proctor District in Tacoma.
Scheduling Information
I invite you to connect with me via email at lightthewaytogether@gmail.com to set up a free 30 minute consultation. I would love to hear about what you are hoping for in therapy and give us both a chance to see if we are a good fit.
“Healing is not a wish that can be granted by someone else. It is a well within us that we alone can tap. It is a desire that we allow for, in our own time, by our own choosing.”
— Molly Fumia