Heather Cole, LPC, M.Ed.

practice

Heather Cole is a licensed professional counselor and board approved supervisor providing individual counseling to adolescents, adults, and their families. Both personal and professional experiences have shaped her areas of interest. She is passionate about counseling individuals who have experienced challenging life changes such as trauma, grief and loss, divorce, and disability.

As a counselor who understands the innate personality traits of a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), she is able to support HSPs who struggle with overwhelm and distress due to change, as change can often be more challenging. The HSP temperament is not a new discovery but is often misunderstood in both children and adults. To learn more, visit: hsperson.com

As the parent of a child with multiple disabilities, she has a special interest in providing support to families who have a loved one with a disability, rare diagnosis, medical complexity, or undiagnosed condition. She can provide guidance and advocacy to caregivers navigating the challenges of the complex disability or medical systems, as well as help connect families with essential resources.

education & experience

Heather earned her degrees from The University of Texas (B.S. Interpersonal Communication) and George Mason University (M.Ed. Counseling and Development) within a program committed to social justice, multiculturalism and advocacy. She was involved with Counselors Without Borders in her graduate program, providing culturally responsive humanitarian counseling to indigenous populations. She has counseling experience in various settings including a youth shelter, teen group home, residential facility, public school, non-profit, and private practice. She is committed to providing culturally competent counseling and utilizing a collaborative and compassionate approach with a strong emphasis on the therapeutic alliance.

Heather lives in Richmond with her husband and two children. She advocates for people with disabilities, neurodiversity and inclusivity. She has spent time volunteering at a local bereavement camp and loves to travel when the opportunity arises.