Heather MacLaren, LCPC, BC-DMT, ICDVP

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, and help you find more ease. I look forward to meeting you!