Empowering You

Heather (she/her) is an enthusiastic resident in counseling and an assistant professor of counselor education with a heart for advocacy. Drawing on her experience as a former school counselor, Heather focuses on empowering LGBTQ+ youth and young adults as they navigate life’s transitions. She is a passionate advocate for marginalized voices, blending her academic expertise with a compassionate, values based, and person-centered approach to mental health. 

Heather is able to provide specialized support in the following areas, depending on client needs and goals: 

Heather conceptualizes challenges through the lens of systematic pressures and marginalization, and works to empower clients to embrace and strengthen intersecting identities, deconstruct power imbalances, and critically evaluate social expectations. She navigates social and emotional concerns through self-acceptance and empowerment while considering the impact of cultural and institutional barriers.  

Heather utilizes ACT to help navigate the trap of difficult thoughts and emotions. She will work with you to build psychological flexibility, clarify what matters most to you, and create practical strategies to help you live a vibrant, values-based life. 

Artistic prompts and exploration can be incorporated as desired, as talk therapy may not always fully capture your experiences or communication preferences.

Heather provides in-person and virtual individual therapy to clients with a wide range of concerns, especially but not limited to LGBTQ+ specific issues, depression, and self-worth. 

Heather assists clients with professional letter writing and documentation needs, offering support for Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), gender-affirming care, and other advocacy letters. 

Heather Summers, PhD, NCC, Resident-in-Counseling

Virginia Resident-in-Counseling 

License # 0704019182

Virginia School Counseling 

License # PPS-0609124

National Certified Counselor

License # 846546