Our Team
Kari Heinze, MSW, LSW
Psychotherapist
“You spend most of your life inside your head. Make it a nice place to be.”
Our thoughts are powerful. They often have a significant impact on how we feel about ourselves and our lives. When negative thoughts enter our mind they can be intrusive, overwhelming and cause us to feel anxious and depressed. “Think more positive!” is MUCH easier said than done, especially when facing difficult times.
My goal as a therapist is to create a safe and empathetic environment where my clients can feel free to share thoughts and feelings without judgment. Using a combined cognitive-based, client-centered and solution-focused approach, I help my clients to develop effective coping skills, recognize their personal strengths and create a more peaceful mind.
Throughout my childhood, my friends would often come to me to discuss their problems. I was raised by therapists and it seemed natural to lend an ear or words of encouragement to those that I cared for. When I was young my mother said to me “maybe one day you’ll be a therapist.” It was as simple as that. My career seemed to be more of calling than it was a choice and I never contemplated doing anything else.
After graduating from NYU with a Master’s degree in social work I spent my career working within a variety of settings including a correctional facility, inpatient psychiatric units, a hospital trauma center and an outpatient Oncology program. I helped individuals who were struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, loss/grief, chronic illness and persistent mental illness. Currently, I specialize in working with anxiety spectrum disorders, emotional/mental health during pregnancy and postpartum, and infertility.
I enjoyed each of these settings and became specialized in short-term crisis-intervention. However, I was limited in the amount of time I could spend with each client. I decided to enter private practice for the opportunity to provide long-term counseling. I enjoy providing ongoing support and therapeutic strategies to help create positive, long-lasting changes.
When I am not working, I enjoy traveling, spending time with my family and friends, and caring for my MANY farm animals and pets.
Reach me directly at kheinze@changeofmindcounseling.com