About Heather

Therapist and Private Practice Owner

Licensed in Washington State

Heather Thompson, LMHCA

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate Credential Number: MC61494184

You are welcome here!

As a therapist, I've heard many different reasons why clients decide to begin therapy. Remeber, there’s no one-size-fits-all reason. It’s an individual journey that is unique to each person.

Do you ever ask yourself the following questions:

  • How can I control or manage my emotions better, they feel unmanageable?

  • I have people in my life, but I don’t want to talk to them about my problems or I feel alone?

  • My anxiety has become unmanageable, and I don’t know what to do?

  • I have a big life transition happening and I am worried 24/7?

  • I think about my past trauma often, and it’s affecting different areas of my life?

  • Why do I have a hard time saying “no” to things in my life?

What’s most important to remember is that if you’re seeking change in any area of your life and believe therapy could be beneficial, that’s a strong reason to consider starting.

Let’s get started

I’m here to support you on your journey to growth and change. As a therapist, I practice from a holistic care model and utilize an integrative, trauma-informed, and person-centered approach. This means I tailor my methods to fit your unique needs and goals, blending various therapeutic techniques to offer the most effective and personalized care.

My approach is designed to create a safe, empowering, and supportive environment where you can explore your experiences and develop new coping skills.

Whether you’re seeking to manage anxiety, work through past trauma, or achieve personal growth, I’m dedicated to walking alongside you. Together, we’ll use creative and evidence-based practices to address your needs and help you make meaningful progress toward your goals.

“Happiness is not dependent on circumstances being exactly as we want them to be, or on ourselves being exactly as we’d like to be. Rather, happiness stems from loving ourselves and our lives exactly as they are, knowing that joy and pain, strength and weakness, glory and failure are all essential to the full human experience.”

— Kristen Neff

My Background

Raised in Puyallup, Washington, I pursued a career in mental health therapy as a first-generation biracial Latina to enhance representation in my community. My mission is to foster safe spaces where both women and teen girls can authentically express themselves and feel understood in their mental health journeys. Mar & Sol Mental Health Services embodies this vision. Inspired by "Mar," the Spanish word for ocean, which represents life's waves—the ups and downs—and "Sol," the Spanish word for sun, symbolizing the inner light that shines brightly during healing. Named in honor of my mother, Marisol Thompson, a Latina mental health advocate, this practice aims to dismantle mental health stigmas in our community.

Before becoming a therapist, I had careers in both Tech and Higher Education. In recent years, I co-founded Caminemos Juntos, a support group for Spanish-speaking Latine mothers, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I look forward to continuing to work with mothers and families in my practice. I have also worked in community mental health and higher education, engaging with diverse age groups and demographics.

Offering services in both English and Spanish allows me to create an inclusive and authentic therapy space for my clients. I may speak Spanglish with some clients, blending both languages to better meet your needs and ensure you feel comfortable and understood in our sessions.

As a therapist, I am committed to building a strong therapeutic alliance with my clients. This connection is vital as it fosters trust, collaboration, and a sense of safety. A robust therapeutic alliance enables open communication and mutual respect, allowing clients to feel understood and supported. This foundation is crucial for effective therapy, as it helps clients engage fully in the process, delve deeply into their concerns, and work towards meaningful change with confidence.

Credentials

I earned my Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Seattle University.

I am a certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and Clinical Complex Trauma Professional (CCTP-II). I am trained in EMDR, DBT, Mindfulness, Ego State, and Somatic Therapy.

I practice from a holistic care model and an integrative, trauma-informed, person-centered approach to therapy. This means I tailor my methods to fit your unique needs, using a combination of therapeutic techniques to cater to your specific goals. Everyone is different, and I believe in using creative and evidence-based practices to ensure you receive the most effective and personalized care.

  • Integrative Approach: This method combines various therapeutic techniques and modalities to create a customized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals. By blending different approaches, I can provide the most effective and personalized care possible.

  • Trauma-Informed Care: This approach recognizes and understands the impact of trauma on an individual’s mental health. It emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment, ensuring that the therapeutic environment is supportive and non-retraumatizing.

  • Person-Centered Approach: This approach focuses on you as the individual, valuing your experiences, feelings, and perspectives. It involves empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuine support, allowing you to guide our therapeutic journey together.

Ready to get started?