Caitlin Heffernan, LCSW-C, Clinical Director (she/her)

*No current openings, accepting new clients on waitlist*

HEALING WORK

Therapy with me: My approach to therapy is reflective, trauma-informed, and eclectic. I value the therapeutic relationship as one of the most important tools and strive for a humanist approach that honors each individual person I have the privilege of crossing paths with as a therapist. I wholeheartedly believe in change and growth that is sustainable over a “quick-fix.” While I value a relationship-focused approach to the work I do, I am also mindful to incorporate awareness and utilization of both body- and brain-based approaches to therapy. I view this as a realistic honoring of how it is both our brains and our bodies that walk through our life experiences. Humor is welcome, and feel free to curse if that’s how your truth comes out. I welcome authentic expression in all its forms.

My impacting identities/roles that inform my work: I am a cisgender, heterosexual, white female. I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend. I remain deeply committed to understanding the impacts of my own identities and the privilege they inherently bring, to have awareness and accountability for myself, and to continue to cultivate a deeper empathy for others.

I feel informed and knowledgeable about: The impact of trauma on the brain and body, complex trauma histories and complex family dynamics (explored in individual-based work), self-compassion and self-forgiveness, anxiety and intrusive thoughts, grief, supporting parents and all that parenthood can bring to the surface (unpacking generational patterns, the impact of juggling multiple roles, overwhelm, and a heavy mental load, getting back in touch with ourselves – our bodies, our needs, our interests – all the things), women’s health and health-related trauma and stress, identifying and implementing boundaries, unpacking the impact of capitalism and antiquated societal expectations, anti-diet culture and radical self-love, perfectionism, ADHD (particularly when diagnosed in women and later in life), non-neurotypical processing.

I work best with clients who: Are comfortable with the idea of navigating therapy without a roadmap or exact timeline. Who have maybe tried therapy before and are looking to “dive deeper” rather than “apply a bandaid.”

I am not a good clinical fit for clients who: Are seeking overly-structured therapy. Outside of my work in Cognitive Processing Therapy, which is structured by nature, the work I do with clients is generally more organic and led by client life experiences and/or goals.

What makes me unique: I won’t shy away from using humor in therapy when there’s an appropriate space for it. While my current focus is mostly on older teens and adults, I’ve worked with a broader age range in the past. This has provided a deeper understanding of the lifespan, and therefore allows me to support clients in both life reflection (past and future), as well as in processing relationships with others who are in different life stages.

LEARNING AND GROWING

I continue to explore somatic-based trainings, such as Polyvagal Theory informed body-oriented interventions and Linda Thai’s Somatic Embodiment certification program.

FUN FACTS/RESILIENCE BUILDING

What resources me to build resilience… I strive to “walk the walk” as a therapist. I am invested in my job to help others, and I am also committed to doing my own work (for both the human in me, and as a therapist to allow me to show up to help others more sustainably). After settling in as a therapist here at Anchored Hope, I felt more ready and brave to do my own “work,” which continues to this day and has served me both personally and professionally.

EDUCATION

James Madison University (Bachelors in Psychology)

University of Maryland School of Social Work (MSW)

TRAININGS/CERTIFICATIONS/WHAT I’M READING CURRENTLY

Somatic Embodiment (Linda Thai Somatic Embodiment certification training)

Polyvagal Theory

Janina Fisher Parts-based trauma therapy and training (Healing the Fragmented Parts of Self)

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Plus (CBT+, through the National Center for Evidence-Based Practice in Child Welfare)

Board Approved Supervisor for Maryland Social Workers and Professional Counselors

What I’m currently reading…