Heather Shaver, LCSW

Heather Shaver is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 20 years of experience supporting people facing stress, anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, compassion fatigue, addictions, relationship concerns, and life transitions. She works directly with individuals who are dealing with eating and sleeping problems, low self-esteem, career questions, and coping with major changes. Heather also focuses on issues like codependency, commitment and communication problems, divorce and separation, domestic violence, and sexual assault and abuse.

Heather began her career after completing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of Florida and a Master of Social Work at the University of Central Florida. Early work as a victim advocate shaped her approach to crisis care and informed later roles in juvenile justice, residential substance abuse treatment, hospice, home health, and independent practice. She now serves as a Director of Mental Health Services working with chronically ill adults in Florida.

In sessions she starts where the person is and moves at their pace. She values building rapport and connection first, and she treats trust as the basis for progress. Clients can expect practical conversations about coping skills and problem solving that match their daily life.

Heather uses a range of therapy methods to suit different needs. She blends evidence-informed techniques with straightforward coaching to help people manage symptoms, change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, and set concrete goals.

Her long experience includes crisis and trauma work as well as ongoing support for chronic stress and life transitions. Heather practices in Florida and conducts sessions in English. If you want to learn more about working with her, follow the Start Therapy process on the site to complete the matching questionnaire and schedule a session.

Approaches that guide online work and goal setting

Heather commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful patterns. CBT can help with anxiety, depression, and problems like sleep or eating disruptions.

She also draws on Mindfulness Therapy to help people notice the present moment and reduce overwhelm through simple awareness practices. Mindfulness can support stress reduction and improve emotional regulation.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Heather will help clients choose methods based on their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts techniques as progress is made in sessions.

The practical benefits of online therapy include easier fitting of sessions into a busy week and fewer logistics around travel. Because session formats are not specified in the biography, confirm the available options before booking so you know what will work for your routine. Many people find online visits useful for shorter check-ins, ongoing symptom management, or maintaining continuity during life transitions.