Heather MacLaren

I am a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois who works with adults (18+) navigating trauma, family dynamics, and relationship challenges. The people I work with also come with experiences of anxiety, self-doubt & criticism, or depression. I believe that healing happens in good relationships – the kind with presence, honesty, and care. That is why I work collaboratively with clients, to co-create a space that feels like a soft place to land. I also believe in the wisdom our bodies hold and that working somatically can unlock a profound part of our experience. Beyond any “score,” how we inhabit our bodies is shaped by our histories and culture -- when we include the body in therapy we can listen to your story on a deeper level. Then, we can honor your inherent wisdom and strengths, while also supporting you in branching into new ways of being that align with your values and goals. I incorporate several approaches to therapy that include traditional ‘talk’ therapy from relational-cultural, feminist, and strengths-based perspectives. I use Dance/Movement Therapy and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, a body-centered form of psychotherapy that addresses cognitive, emotional, and physical symptoms of trauma. I also incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills and creative methods like art-making, music, and poetry. I earned my Master of Arts (MA) in Dance/Movement Therapy and Counseling from Columbia College Chicago in 2015. I am a Board-Certified Dance/Movement Therapist with the American Dance Therapy Association and also hold a Graduate Laban Certificate in Movement Analysis. In addition, I am a Certified Domestic Violence Professional in Illinois and have over 10 years’ experience supporting survivors of domestic violence & relationship abuse. I have advanced training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (level 1, 2024; level 2 in process) and it’s use for both trauma and developmental attachment wounds. Together we will embrace your strengths, tend to the painful parts of your life that need care, and help you find more ease. I look forward to meeting you!