Heather Shaver, LCSW

Heather Shaver is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who brings two decades of hands-on experience to her clinical work. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2004 and completed a Master of Social Work from the University of Central Florida in 2006, credentials that laid the groundwork for a career focused on crisis response and ongoing support. Heather began her professional journey in 2006 as a victim advocate for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, a role that deepened her skills in supporting people through traumatic and high-stakes moments.

Over the years she has worked across a variety of settings, including a Department of Juvenile Justice lock-down facility for residential substance abuse, hospice care, home health care, and private practice. She currently serves as Director of Mental Health Services and works with chronically ill adults, drawing on a broad blend of clinical approaches to meet diverse needs. As an LCSW - a license that authorizes clinical social work practice - Heather emphasizes beginning treatment where each person is, prioritizing rapport and connection. She views trust as central to progress and tailors her interventions to the individual, meeting clients with practical support and steady clinical experience.

Therapeutic Approaches and Remote Care

Heather Shaver integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness Therapy with Motivational Interviewing to support clients in achieving practical change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and learn new, healthier ways of responding to stress, anxiety, or depression. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and simple attention practices that can reduce emotional reactivity and improve coping with grief, chronic stress, or trauma reminders. Motivational Interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented approach that strengthens a person’s own motivation to change, especially useful for challenges like addictions, ambivalence about treatment, or behavioral goals.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Heather works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies over time rather than relying on a single technique. This partnership helps ensure the work is practical and personalized.

Online therapy offers flexible access to care through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, continue work during life transitions, and maintain momentum between appointments while engaging with licensed professionals and therapists in a format that suits each person’s lifestyle.