Heather Daher, MA

Heather is a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor in Illinois who works with clients seeking to create a balanced life amidst changes such as career choices, shifting self-image, and evolving relationships. She often helps clients navigate negative self-image issues, including difficulty setting boundaries, negative self-talk, and finding direction and purpose in life. Heather specializes in working with anxiety, panic, depression, relationship issues, and trauma. She provides warmth and curiosity in her sessions, collaborating with clients in a direct and supportive manner. Heather welcomes clients into a safe space for self-exploration, support, and challenge.

Heather’s therapeutic approach is strengths-based, incorporating elements of Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Somatic work. She customizes each client’s journey to fit their needs:
Brief Psychodynamic Therapy (BPT) promotes understanding and change in people’s inner experiences, increasing positive feelings toward the self and facilitating methods for living more successfully.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) challenges negative thoughts and distortions in thinking. By identifying these patterns, Heather works with clients to change them, improving feelings and behaviors.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Therapy has roots in ancient Buddhist tradition. It teaches people how to moderate their stress levels, reduce anxiety, and increase self-efficacy, fostering an accepting and non-judgmental attitude toward the self.

Heather is a graduate of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where she earned her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology in 2022. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from DePaul University in 2019.
Heather has experience working in community agencies and private practice. During her graduate studies, she interned at Next Step Counseling in Chicago, working with youth, adolescents, and adults with various presenting problems. In private practice, she has primarily worked with young and middle-aged adults. Her strengths include helping clients with anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem, identity, cultural and body health issues, relationship discord, and trauma. Heather has conducted individual and couples counseling with both traditional and non-traditional relationships. She is passionate, affirming, and thoughtful about working with diverse groups, including BIPOC clients and members of the LGBTQ community. Growing up in an immigrant home, Heather is familiar with the challenges of being raised by immigrant parents, including mental health stigma, language barriers, and clashing values and beliefs.

In her free time, Heather enjoys finding new recipes and cooking meals at home with family and friends. She loves being creative and finds painting a helpful way to express herself and relax. Heather has a cat named Lucy who might make an appearance during sessions. She enjoys watching TV shows and movies with plenty of snacks. While she loves the city, Heather also enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and swimming.