HEATHER GONZALES, LPC

Therapy for Adult Adoptees, Fostered, and Kinship people- by an Adoptee Therapist

In-Person and Telehealth sessions available

As an adult adoptee, I'm deeply committed to supporting others as they navigate the complexities of trauma, grief, and adverse childhood experiences. I understand the challenges of attachment injury, relinquishment, and identity formation, and I'm here to walk beside you on this journey. With my own experiences shaping my path, I dedicate myself to continual learning, providing a compassionate and understanding presence for my clients. My approach is collaborative, humanistic, and feminist, incorporating art-based techniques for those who are interested. By fostering a curious and direct dialogue, we'll work together towards healing, finding solutions, and nurturing healthier family relationships. Starting therapy can feel daunting, but having a therapist who truly understands the unique aspects of your history can make all the difference. Whether you're facing past hardships or present relationship challenges, remember that you don't have to face them alone.

I have spent the past 10 years processing my own experiences and working to specialize in serving the adoption community and all the diversity found within it. By integrating my personal journey with extensive self-education and formal training, I have cultivated a foundation of knowledge and empathy that enhances my counseling practice. My active participation and years of listening to and supporting individuals in various adoption-related contexts have informed a more holistic approach in my work with clients. Each member of the triad brings unique perspectives and emotions that can sometimes lead to feelings of being misunderstood or disconnected, which can extend to relationships outside of the family. Building meaningful relationships requires a conscious effort to understand oneself as well as a deep comprehension of the complex emotions and issues involved. My commitment to continual learning ensures that I remain responsive to the evolving needs of the people I serve and can support clients in forming knowledgeable and creative solutions toward growth.

In sessions, I collaborate with clients and draw on each person’s unique strengths in meeting their specific needs and goals. By integrating art-based interventions like drawing, collage, and music, I provide my clients with diverse ways to explore and express their emotions and thoughts. This method not only caters to different learning and processing styles but also fosters a deeper connection to oneself and the therapeutic process. By offering resources and exercises outside of sessions, I encourage continuous personal growth and development. My collaborative approach, rooted in empathy and teamwork, aims to cultivate autonomy, self-awareness, and positive relationships, making me a supportive partner for anyone ready to embark on a journey of change and self-discovery. Regardless of where you find yourself today, I am ready to partner with anyone ready to grow and work toward change.

I have a bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy from Capital University, a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Pennsylvania Western University, and am pursuing a 2nd master’s degree in art therapy. I have additional training on adoption & foster care, trauma, attachment, dissociation, grief, art therapy, and multiple adoption “competency” trainings taught by adult adoptees who are therapists.

For a free 20 minute consult or to schedule an appointment, please email me at heather@encompassadoptees.org, or call 614-600-6183.

What Encompass Participants are Saying:

“I'd just like to give a shout-out to Heather Gonzales, the amazing force behind Encompass Adoptees. I can't say enough wonderful things about her. She is incredibly insightful about our [adoptee] daughter's needs, she is exceptionally well-read about all issues related to the adoption triad, and she is a powerful advocate for adoptees of all ages.” —Adoptive Mom of an Adoptee Teen

“Heather provides wonderful support for adoptees and their families. Book clubs, support groups, art therapy… I recommend Encompass to every Central Ohio adoptive family I meet.” —Adult Adoptee

“Heather stepped up in a huge way during a time of crisis for our family. Her calm demeanor, use of art therapy, and approach of counseling families instead of only adoptees was absolutely invaluable.  We did not realize how much she would help us understand the connection between our son's challenging behaviors to the trauma of adoption.  We are one year removed from regular sessions with Heather, and it's incredible what a difference she made in our lives.  She has a unique perspective as an adoptee that she brings to every encounter - never making excuses for behaviors, but framing them through the lens of adoption that is so helpful!  It's hard to believe how far we've come as a family, and we will forever be grateful to Heather's guidance through our most turbulent times.” —Adoptive Mom of an Adoptee Teen