About Heather L. Rist, LPC

After working with people for over two decades, I have gathered that humans' three biggest fears are sharks, heights, and feelings. No one likes to feel uncomfortable, much less talk about it. If denying, suppressing, or self-criticizing feelings actually worked – therapists everywhere would be out of a job. I think it’s time to try something different.

II have been cultivating expertise in trauma, stress, mental health, and wellness since my undergraduate studies many, many moons ago. I am highly trained and skilled in treating trauma. Trauma is misunderstood. It is a neurobiological injury causing dysregulation of the stress response system in the body. This means the stress response is turned on, and the body needs help turning it off. It is not a character flaw, a mental defect, or a weakness. It is a subconscious, automatic, physiological survival response. Therapeutically, I gravitate towards interventions that help cultivate self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-regulation, such as mindfulness, somatic and neurobiological interventions, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Internal Family Systems. Though I am moving away from clinical practice, my training and experience greatly influence the consultation, coaching, and educational programs I offer.

Our world is stressful, and trauma exposure is common. Everyone will experience pain, grief, or hardship at some point. No one is immune to suffering. Though we don’t get to choose our hardships, we do get to choose how we walk through them. If we are brave enough to feel our feelings and face our pain with compassion, there are treasures, such as wisdom, empathy, and transformation, to be found. Walking with clients from pain to transformation is a profound honor and privilege. Nothing is more sacred. I only gained this perspective on pain and hardship by walking the path of transformation myself. Experiencing life’s hardships and healing enriches my work in ways that are hard to describe. My understanding of trauma is visceral and scientific, allowing me a greater depth of insight, perspective, and authenticity.

There is no shame in experiencing hardship or trauma. Life is messy and brutal, but it can also be amazing and beautiful. I am passionate and excited about the work I do—spreading hope, empowering healing, and encouraging authentic connection. Thank you for being here and for the work you do! I look forward to the opportunity to support you soon!