Meet Heidi
Therapist
Heidi Whitney, LCSW, IECMH-E
Heidi has experience working with families with young children through home based early intervention, early learning classrooms and community mental health settings. She has extensive training in play therapy, dyadic child/parent therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and other approaches tailored to the needs of children and their caregivers. She is an excellent child therapist, provides family therapy, and can provide parent support.
Through therapy, Heidi helps children gain an understanding of their feelings, learn coping strategies and improve their ability to communicate with their trusted adults. Heidi also helps children recover from trauma and loss. For all children who come to therapy with Heidi, parents are offered parenting support that bridges the skills we work on in therapy with the home and the child’s relationship with their parent(s). Heidi strives to create an inclusive, inviting environment for families where they can be and explore their authentic selves.
Why Heidi Became a Therapist
My passion for working with children and families comes from my initial work providing home based supports to families. I loved being in the mix of the challenges of family life and the joy of the growth and development that both children and parents are experiencing together. Those early developmental stages are foundational both for parents and children and I believe therapy can support families in their desire to heal, grow and flourish.
I love supporting families to develop a deeper understanding of their experiences and emotions while growing their communication and problem solving skills. Children need at least one supportive adult who can be present and “in their corner” and so I believe in supporting parents to build and strengthen their relationship with their child(ren). And children do not come with a users’s manual so parents need a safe place to have a sounding board and gain support and ideas that align with their parenting values.
Who Heidi Supports in Therapy
Heidi works with children ages birth thru young adults, and their families. Heidi provides parent coaching and facilitates Circle of Security Parenting Groups as a certified COSP facilitator.
Parenting Support
Whether you’re navigating the journey of parenthood solo, with a partner, or coparenting with others, Heidi is here to offer guidance and support. She helps parents understand their strengths and navigate the complexities of parenting strategies and challenging behaviors. People often seek Heidi’s expertise for assistance with daily routines, managing sibling conflicts, and establishing household rules. With Heidi’s support, you can deepen and strengthen your relationship with your children and improve communication within your family.
About Heidi
Heidi is originally from Michigan and tries to travel back each summer to enjoy the beach. Heidi lives in southwest Denver with her two daughters, partner, dog and cat. Heidi enjoys gardening and yoga and she spends most weekends enjoying local parks and playgrounds with her kids and dog.
Cost & Location
- If Heidi is not in network with your insurance, her private pay hourly rate is $150 per session for sessions that occur at 3pm or after.
- Alternatively, for sessions that occur at 2pm or earlier, you can access a discounted private pay hourly rate of $130.
- Heidi is not enrolled as a Medicaid provider.
- She is In-Network with BCBS, Aetna, and United Healthcare.
- She works out of our Lakewood office and virtually.
Hours
Heidi offers in person and virtual sessions on Thursday’s and Friday’s at our office in Lakewood.
How Play Therapy Helps
At Tribe, we understand that healing comes in many forms, and for our youngest clients, play is their natural language. That’s why we specialize in play therapy, a powerful approach that harnesses the innate creativity and resilience of children to address emotional and behavioral challenges. Through the therapeutic power of play, we help children navigate their inner worlds, build coping skills, and cultivate a foundation for lifelong emotional wellbeing.
Why Play Therapy?
Play is the language of childhood, a universal mode of expression that transcends words. In the safe and nurturing environment of our play therapy sessions, children are free to explore, express, and process their thoughts and feelings through play. From imaginative storytelling to creative art projects, each activity is carefully designed to meet the unique needs of the child, fostering healing and growth along the way.
Benefits of Play Therapy
Play therapy provides children with a non-threatening outlet to express complex emotions that they may struggle to articulate verbally. Through play, they can explore their feelings of anger, sadness, fear, and joy in a supportive environment, gaining insight and understanding along the way.
Life is full of challenges, but with play therapy, children learn valuable coping skills to navigate the ups and downs with resilience. From problem-solving to emotional regulation, the therapeutic play process equips children with the tools they need to face life’s obstacles with confidence and courage.
Every child deserves to feel valued and worthy, and play therapy helps foster a strong sense of self-esteem and self-worth. Through positive reinforcement and encouragement, children learn to believe in themselves, embrace their strengths, and celebrate their unique qualities.
Healthy relationships are the cornerstone of a fulfilling life, and play therapy helps children develop essential social skills to navigate their interactions with peers, family members, and authority figures. By practicing empathy, communication, and cooperation in the context of play, children build stronger, more meaningful connections with others.
For children who have experienced trauma or adverse experiences, play therapy offers a gentle and effective path to healing. Through guided play activities, children can process their traumatic memories, reduce their emotional distress, and build resilience in the face of adversity.
Take the Next Step Toward Healing
If your child is struggling with emotional or behavioral challenges, we’re here to help. Click the schedule consultation button and learn more about how play therapy can change your child’s life. We will support your child with healing, growth, and empowerment, one playful moment at a time.
Family Therapy: Strengthening Bonds and Improving Child Wellbeing
Family therapy is a type of counseling that involves working with the entire family system to address issues affecting one or more members. Sometimes family therapy involves children, and sometimes it involves only adult caregivers/parents. This approach recognizes that family dynamics play a crucial role in a child’s development, behavior, and emotional health. By engaging with parents and caregivers, family therapy aims to foster a supportive environment where every member can thrive.
The Benefits of Family Therapy
Family therapy offers numerous benefits, especially when it comes to helping children. By addressing underlying issues within the family unit, therapy can lead to:
- Improved Communication: Therapy helps families develop healthier ways of communicating, reducing misunderstandings and conflicts.
- Stronger Relationships: Strengthening the bond between parents and children can enhance trust, security, and emotional connection.
- Behavioral Changes: When parents learn new strategies to support their children, it can lead to positive changes in the child’s behavior and emotional wellbeing.
- ProblemSolving Skills: Families gain tools to navigate challenges together, fostering resilience and cooperation.
How Family Therapy Helps Children
Children are deeply influenced by their home environment, and difficulties within the family can often manifest as behavioral or emotional challenges. By working with parents in family therapy, the root causes of a child’s issues can be addressed, leading to more effective and lasting solutions. Here’s how:
- Modeling Healthy Behaviors: Parents learn to model positive behaviors and coping strategies, which children can emulate.
- Consistency in Parenting: Therapy helps parents create consistent routines and expectations, providing a sense of stability for their children.
- Emotional Support: When parents better understand their child’s needs, they can offer the emotional support necessary for the child’s growth and development.
- Addressing Conflict: Family therapy provides a safe space to resolve conflicts, reducing stress and tension that can affect a child’s mental health.
Why Choose Family Therapy?
Choosing family therapy is a proactive step toward creating a healthier, happier family dynamic. Whether your child is struggling with anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues, working together as a family can lead to significant improvements. By addressing the entire family system, therapy not only helps the child but also strengthens relationships and promotes a supportive environment for everyone.
At Tribe Mind Body Wellness, our experienced therapists are here to guide your family through this journey. We understand the complexities of family life and are dedicated to helping you build stronger, more connected relationships.
Ready to start your family therapy journey? Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about how we can support your family’s wellbeing.
Therapy for Your Child in Colorado
Child Therapy
We understand the unique needs of young minds and provide tailored treatments that promote growth and emotional well-being. Our experienced child therapists are dedicated to creating a compassionate and engaging therapeutic environment for your child, utilizing a variety of techniques, including play and art therapy, to help them develop essential cognitive behavioral tools for a happier and healthier life.
Childhood is a time of rapid growth and development, and each child’s journey is distinct. Our therapists recognize this diversity and ensure that the treatment is specifically tailored to meet the individual behavior and developmental level of each child. For younger children, we integrate play, art, or other fun activities as a platform for learning and emotional expression. This approach allows children to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a safe and non-threatening manner, fostering greater self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Preteens, tweens & teens, often facing unique challenges in their transitional phase, find comfort and support in our therapy sessions. Our therapists establish a strong rapport with these young individuals, helping them develop a sense of hopefulness as they acquire skills to manage their emotions and thoughts more effectively. With a focus on empowerment and growth, we aim to instill confidence in children, encouraging them to face life’s challenges with resilience and self-assurance.
For younger children, at the heart of our child therapy approach lies play therapy – a powerful method that honors a child’s unique developmental level and encourages self-expression through play. Play therapy enables children to communicate and process their emotions, thoughts, and struggles in a language that feels natural to them. It serves as a valuable tool in helping children better understand themselves, their experiences, and the world around them.
The benefits of play therapy are vast and versatile. Children struggling with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can benefit from the structured and interactive nature of play therapy, which helps improve attention span and impulse control. For those grappling with anxiety and depression, play therapy provides a safe space to explore and release pent-up emotions, building coping mechanisms to manage their emotional distress. Moreover, children who have experienced trauma find play therapy to be particularly effective in processing their experiences and facilitating healing.
Behavioral issues are common among children as they navigate their emotions and social interactions. Play therapy offers a platform for understanding and addressing these challenges by allowing children to explore and experiment with various behaviors in a supportive and therapeutic setting.
Divorce can be a significant life event for a child, causing confusion, sadness, and anxiety. Play therapy can help children cope with these complex emotions, providing an outlet for expression and helping them navigate through the changes in their family dynamics. Additionally, play therapy can assist children in developing and maintaining healthy friendships, building essential social skills that foster positive connections with peers.
Our commitment to creating a positive and compassionate therapeutic relationship is at the core of our practice. We understand the importance of trust and empathy in the therapeutic process, and we strive to build a safe space where your child feels understood, valued, and supported. Parental involvement is also highly encouraged, as we recognize the crucial role parents and caregivers play in a child’s development. In certain instances, therapists may invite parents and caregivers to participate in play therapy sessions. This interactive approach reinforces the idea that healing and growth are collaborative efforts involving both the child and their support system.
We believe that child therapy should be a positive experience. Our child therapists are not only professionally trained but also deeply passionate about helping children thrive emotionally, socially, and academically. We celebrate the uniqueness of each child and work tirelessly to identify their strengths and address their challenges in a manner that suits their individuality. According to the CDC, Treating a child’s mental health problems as soon as possible can help children reduce problems at home, in school, and in forming friendships. It can also help with healthy development into adulthood.
If you’re seeking professional and compassionate child therapy services that prioritize your child’s well-being and growth, look no further. Our team is dedicated to supporting your child on their journey towards a brighter and more fulfilling future. Together, we can help your child develop the necessary tools to overcome obstacles, build resilience, and lead a happier, healthier life. Let us be part of your child’s transformative journey towards a brighter tomorrow.
Supporting Your Teen
The teen years are hard even in the best of situations. Teenagers face a combination of societal pressure, peer pressure, and academic pressure. Then, you add all of the changes they’re facing right now and everything going on in the world around them. At times, the stress can be debilitating.
In this new world of social media, technology, and social norms, it’s easy to feel lost in understanding the world teenagers are trying to navigate. Many times, teens have a whirlwind of emotions but just do not seem to know how to appropriately express them.
Your child is old enough to have their own thoughts, beliefs, and opinions. And yet, they still need you. They need you to provide guidance and support. They may want independence, but they’re not quite ready for it yet. Your teen is trying to create their own identity and figure out their place in the world. So, It’s no wonder so many teens experience stress, anxiety, and depression.
About Tribe Mental Health Therapists & Counselors
You Deserve to Feel Great. We’re Here to Help.
Tribe is a group practice of counselors and therapists that was formed to meet your needs. At any point in your life, whether you are a child or an adult, having outside support can help you to change your path and feel more in control of your life.
Reach out for a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are the right fit for you.
