- Person-centered care
- Practical tools
- Career and life focus
About Heather
Heather McQuay is a Licensed Certified Social Worker-Clinical (LCSW-C) based in Maryland with more than 20 years in the human services field and over a decade as a licensed therapist. She helps people who are coping with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and mood concerns. Her work often centers on practical steps people can take to feel steadier and more able to handle daily life.
She takes a person-centered approach and focuses on meeting people where they are. Sessions are collaborative: she listens, helps clarify goals, and builds a plan that fits each person's needs. Heather draws from cognitive behavioral tools, motivational interviewing, and strength-based methods to create that plan.
Many clients seek her out for help after trauma, whether that trauma occurred in childhood or later in life. She also supports people facing relationship strain, parenting stress, career transitions, and caregiving burdens. Heather works with mood disorders, ADHD, and compassion fatigue among other concerns.
Her style is straightforward and respectful. She aims to make therapy useful and relatable, with concrete strategies you can try between sessions. Heather adjusts techniques to match how each person prefers to work.
If someone wants to explore their values, manage strong emotions, or find clearer direction at work or home, she guides that process with practical tools and steady support. She encourages people to set realistic goals and to test what helps in day-to-day life.
She takes a person-centered approach and focuses on meeting people where they are. Sessions are collaborative: she listens, helps clarify goals, and builds a plan that fits each person's needs. Heather draws from cognitive behavioral tools, motivational interviewing, and strength-based methods to create that plan.
Many clients seek her out for help after trauma, whether that trauma occurred in childhood or later in life. She also supports people facing relationship strain, parenting stress, career transitions, and caregiving burdens. Heather works with mood disorders, ADHD, and compassion fatigue among other concerns.
Her style is straightforward and respectful. She aims to make therapy useful and relatable, with concrete strategies you can try between sessions. Heather adjusts techniques to match how each person prefers to work.
If someone wants to explore their values, manage strong emotions, or find clearer direction at work or home, she guides that process with practical tools and steady support. She encourages people to set realistic goals and to test what helps in day-to-day life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Existential TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
20+ years
Credentials
Maryland
Languages
English
How therapeutic approaches shape online work
Heather commonly uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her clinical work. ACT focuses on clarifying personal values and taking committed steps toward them while learning to live with uncomfortable thoughts or feelings. CBT breaks down patterns of thinking and behavior, and teaches specific skills to manage anxiety, depression, and mood symptoms.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Heather works with each person to find which methods match their goals and preferences. Together they try techniques, track what helps, and adjust the plan when needed to better fit real life challenges like work, parenting, or caregiving.
If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking since formats are not specified here. Many people find online appointments helpful for fitting sessions into a busy schedule, keeping continuity during life transitions, or making shorter check-ins easier to arrange. Talk with Heather about what would work best for you and how therapy can fit into your daily routine.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Heather commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and mood concerns including bipolar and ADHD, along with grief, parenting challenges, career questions, and compassion fatigue.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is person-centered and collaborative. She listens first, then helps set goals and offers practical techniques to try between sessions.
What is her clinical background?
Heather has more than 20 years in the human services field and over a decade working as a licensed therapist.
What are her credentials and where is she located?
She holds the LCSW-C credential in Maryland and practices out of that state.
Which languages can sessions be held in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Heather?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.