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Heather Harper, LCSW Clinical Director & Owner
Fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) Hi, I'm Heather!
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and the practice.
I believe that every person has an innate capacity for healing, growth, and meaningful change. Life experiences, relationships, trauma, stress, and loss can sometimes disconnect us from our strengths, leaving us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the path forward. My role as a therapist is not to "fix" you, but to create a safe and supportive space where healing can unfold, self-understanding can deepen, and lasting change can emerge. Because every individual's story is unique, I take a personalized and clinically grounded approach to therapy that honors your experiences, strengths, and goals. I view therapy as a collaborative process built on trust, authenticity, and connection. Together, we will explore not only what is happening in your life, but also the deeper patterns, experiences, and nervous system responses that may be influencing your current challenges. My work integrates evidence-based and experiential approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Polyvagal Theory, somatic and body-based interventions, play therapy, and sand tray therapy. I am also trained in the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and hold certifications as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional Level I and Level II (CCTP-I/CCTP-II). These approaches allow us to address healing at both cognitive and physiological levels, supporting deeper and more sustainable transformation. I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. I believe that meaningful healing occurs within the context of a strong therapeutic relationship—one that honors both vulnerability and resilience. In our work together, you can expect thoughtful guidance, practical tools, curiosity, and compassion as we strengthen your connection to your emotions, your body, your relationships, and your own inner wisdom. Throughout my career, I have worked across a wide range of settings, including schools, inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, home-based services, emergency services, respite care, and community mental health. These experiences have provided me with a broad understanding of the challenges individuals and families face across different stages of life and systems of care. My clinical experience includes trauma recovery, family systems and conflict resolution, parenting support, behavioral concerns, school-related challenges, special education advocacy, substance use, couples therapy, and navigating complex life transitions. I value collaboration and frequently coordinate with families, schools, healthcare providers, and community partners to help create meaningful and sustainable outcomes. In addition to my clinical work, I am deeply committed to developing the next generation of social workers and therapists. I provide supervision for clinicians pursuing Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensure in Virginia and serve as a field instructor for graduate social work interns. I view supervision and mentorship as opportunities to cultivate clinical excellence, ethical practice, self-awareness, and professional identity. Whether working with clients, interns, or residents, my goal is to foster growth, confidence, and meaningful connection. It is a privilege to walk alongside individuals, couples, families, and developing clinicians as they navigate challenges, discover strengths, and move toward lives that feel more authentic, connected, and fulfilling. I look forward to the opportunity to support you on your journey.
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Private Practice:
Harper Therapy Group (2020 to Present) Clinical Director & Owner Fairfax, Virginia Transitions Counseling Services, LLC (2018 – 2020) Therapist Warrenton, Virginia Certifications & Speciality Areas: ACT CBT DBT EMDR Internal Family Systems Play Therapy Techniques Polyvagal Sandy Tray Shame Informed Therapy Somatic Tools Trauma Based Interventions |
Clinical Experience:
Fairfax County Gov (2019-2022) Crisis Intervention Specialist Merrifield, Virginia Fairfax County Gov (2017 to 2019) Behavioral Health Therapist Fairfax, Virginia Fairfax County Schools (2012 - 2017) Social Worker Sheppard Pratt (2012-2012) Inpatient Social Worker DC Rape Crisis Center (2011 - 2012) MSW Intern Child Protective Services (2010-2011) BSW Intern Access Services (2006-2010) Respite Coordinator & Camp Director Focus: Children with disabilities |
Teaching and Training:
George Mason University (2017 - present) Adjunct Professor Fairfax, Virginia Education: George Mason University Bachelors of Social Work University of Maryland Masters of Social Work Languages: Fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) |