Heather Shaver, LCSW

Heather Shaver is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Florida with 20 years of clinical experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, depression, compassion fatigue, addictions, relationship and family concerns, and eating or sleeping problems. Her additional focus areas include codependency, commitment issues, communication problems, domestic violence, sexual assault and women’s issues.

She trained with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Florida and a Master of Social Work from the University of Central Florida. Early in her career she worked as a victim advocate for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors, and that experience shaped how she responds to crisis and safety needs. Her background also includes work in juvenile justice residential substance abuse, hospice care, home health, and private practice.

Heather describes herself as someone who begins therapy by meeting people where they are. She places emphasis on building rapport and earning trust before moving to techniques or homework. Sessions typically focus on practical steps to reduce symptoms and improve day-to-day functioning.

Her methods draw on several evidence-informed approaches. She uses cognitive behavioral techniques to spot unhelpful thinking patterns, mindfulness practices to anchor attention in the present, motivational interviewing to support change, and trauma-focused strategies when past events are central to a problem. Solution-focused methods are used to set short-term goals and track progress.

Clients who choose her can expect straightforward conversation, direct skills practice, and collaborative planning. She currently works with chronically ill adults in her role as Director of Mental Health Services and continues to carry a clinical caseload alongside administrative duties.

Therapeutic approaches and remote sessions