Hi there!
I'm Chelsea! I'm so glad you're exploring therapy - I think everyone can benefit from processing things in life and learning more about themselves. It's important to feel comfortable and connected with your clinician, so I'd like to tell you a bit about myself to help you make an informed decision as to whether or not we'd be a good fit together! I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California. Previously, I worked as a social worker for Child Protective Services for 9 years, supporting children and families touched by foster care and adoption. As such, I am well versed in addressing core adoption issues, attachment, and identity concerns. Additionally, I have experience treating depression, anxiety, parenting, blended-families, teen concerns, grief/loss, trauma, abuse, crisis, and adjustment. I've also worked at an in-patient psychiatric hospital, helping stabilize individuals short-term with bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective, depression, anxiety, addiction, co-morbid disorders, suicidal ideations, self-injurious behaviors, and those encountering psychotic breaks triggered by stress. Equally important was my role in educating families about the diagnosis and ways to support their loved ones. I have since transitioned to the education sector and have been supporting students as a School Psychologist. In this role, I conduct psychoeducational assessments to identify students with autism, intellectual disabilities, AD/HD, and learning disabilities, among others. My assessments are then utilized to inform independent education plans. I also conduct Educationally Related Mental Health Service assessments and provide related counseling, serving students with higher mental health needs. Lastly, I would be remiss if I neglected my passion and experience serving the LGBTQ community. For a portion of my time as a social worker, I worked solely with LGBTQ parents and children, providing support to this community. In the school setting, I conducted my doctoral research focusing on LGBTQ student needs and facilitated a Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) club, supporting LGBTQ students and allies.
I utilize an eclectic approach with clients, though tend to draw primarily from a humanistic, person-centered approach. This dynamic in a therapeutic relationship means I attempt to “meet each client where they are.” This serves as a catalyst, allowing each individual to progress through their unique process of self-discovery. I also utilize principles from leading psychological modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychodynamic approaches.
My role as a therapist is not to give you advice or change you. Rather, it is to be an understanding, empathic, and non-judgmental support to help guide you to your own choices, AT YOUR OWN PACE. Together, we can establish goals for therapy, and while I can help you gain insight, I will never push an agenda or risk rupturing our therapeutic relationship.
I know it takes a lot of courage to seek support, and I am humbled by the opportunity to lend my strength during times when you are most vulnerable.
My credentials include:
- Bachelor of Arts in Social Science – California State University, San Marcos
- Certificate in Parent Education and Training – University of California, Los Angeles
- Certificate in Special Education Advocacy – University of San Diego
- Master of Science in Research Psychology – University of Phoenix
- Master of Arts in Counseling (Marriage & Family Therapy) – Mount Saint Mary’s College
- PPS Credential in School Psychology – La Sierra University
- Doctor of Education in Educational Psychology and Mental Health (in progress) – La Sierra University
- Licensed by State of California Board of Behavioral Sciences (LMFT 116834)
About me:
I know it is difficult to share intimate details with someone, while not knowing any personal details about them. I also understand the desire for shared experiences, and feeling as though someone truly understands your pain. Thus, I tend to share some of my background with clients, while maintaining professional boundaries and focus.
Growing up, my mother was a principal and my father was a chief of police. My older brother struggled with learning disabilities and drug addiction as a teen, eventually leading to crime and prison. Thus, as an adolescent, I was quickly exposed to internal conflict, fearing someone I loved, and grieving that relationship. As an adult, I became a single parent and sought my own therapy to manage the intense feelings of shame while learning to co-parent. I have since found a new partner and was recently married after postponing the wedding 4 times due to COVID.. I continue to navigate the challenges of having a blended family with my 6-year-old daughter and 6-year-old step son. I enjoy concerts, photography, soccer, and camping. I also use profanity a shitload more than I care to admit.
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Grief, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder, Depression, Coping with life changes, Adoption and Foster Care, Attachment issues, Blended Family Issues, Family Problems, Gender Dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Self-love, Social anxiety and phobia
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy
CA LMFT 116834
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Chelsea Heller. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Chelsea is one of the best counselors I’ve ever had and I’ve seen many. She truly listens to me and asks me meaningful questions that help me dig deeper into what is really going on with my feelings. I like that she sometimes gives homework but never makes me feel guilty if I can’t complete it. Talking to Chelsea is like talking to a smart, caring friend who happens to have an extremely high emotional IQ.
Written on Apr 28, 2021 after therapy with Chelsea for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, intimacy-related issues, parenting issues, self esteem, and career difficulties
I absolutely love Chelsea, it feels like meeting with a dear friend, I would recommend her to absolutely anybody who is seeking counselling. She is amazing
Written on Jan 24, 2021 after therapy with Chelsea for 3 weeks on issues concerning stress, anxiety, and trauma and abuse
I have been working with Chelsea for the past few months and she has helped me process a lot of the changes that have happened in my life as well as helped me address and overcome old traumas
Written on Nov 02, 2020 after therapy with Chelsea for 5 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, and coping with life changes
Chelsea is a hero. I don’t know what else really to say about it, she’s everything you could want from a counselor and she’s a real human being, not just a counselor, which makes what she says resonate so much more. She’s warm and compassionate but will still tell you hard truths when you need them. 11/10 would recommend!
Written on Oct 28, 2020 after therapy with Chelsea for 2 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, intimacy-related issues, sleeping disorders, parenting issues, self esteem, anger management, career difficulties, coping with life changes, coaching, compassion
She's very understanding and kindly guides you through digging deep within yourself to get to the root of your problems.
Written on Oct 25, 2020 after therapy with Chelsea for 2 months on issues concerning lgbt, and self esteem
Chelsea is excellent. She is caring and attentive and her therapy style suits me.
Written on Oct 08, 2020 after therapy with Chelsea for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, coaching, and adhd