About Dr. Heather Clifford
(she/her)
I have a memory of sitting in my middle school guidance counselor's room filling out a form that asked "what do you want to be when you grow up?" At that time I did not know how to spell the word psychologist (and honestly, spelling is still not my strongest suit), but I knew that was what I wanted to do. A psychologist helped me when I was younger and inspired me to want to do the same for others.
My personal values of learning, connection, and empowerment have motivated me through my education and continue to shape my work today. I believe therapy has the power to help people understand themselves more deeply, build self-trust, and create lives that feel genuinely connected to who they are.
I earned my bachelor's degree in Psychology and Art History at the University of Rochester. After graduation I spent a year volunteering for City Year in San Antonio, an experience that deepened my understanding of the importance of accessible, individualized mental health care and inspired me to go to graduate school. I earned my master's and doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology at La Salle University in Philadelphia.
Throughout my career I have worked with people navigating a wide range of life experiences across many different settings. Over time I found my greatest passion working with adults in their 20s and 30s — particularly those navigating anxiety, ADHD, life transitions, and identity. As a queer therapist I am deeply committed to creating affirming, identity-conscious spaces for queer clients, especially those on the bi+ spectrum, who deserve support that truly sees and understands them.
Outside of sessions you can find me near water, deep in my birth chart, or singing along to a song I definitely do not know all the words to. I am curious by nature - about people, meaning, and what it looks like to truly know yourself. I try to bring that same spirit into every session.
My Therapeutic Approach
What to expect from therapy at Emerging Psychology
A nonjudgemental, caring, and affirming attitude
Working together with you as a team
Collaborative goal setting
Explorations of your values
Interactive activities during sessions
Learning skills to handle difficult thoughts and feelings more effectively
My Approach
One of the greatest causes of suffering is attempting to have only the positive in life, without going through anything negative. I wish I could tell you that coming to therapy will solve all of your problems, and that after a few sessions your life will be perfect, but deep down we all know that is impossible. What therapy can do is help you navigate your negative thoughts, the hurt you have endured, and the roadblocks you are currently experiencing. In order to help you do this I utilize a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
The goal of ACT (pronounced as one word - like “act”) is to help you create a rich and meaningful life, while accepting the unavoidable pain that arises along the way. I feel passionately about this approach because it normalizes experiencing all emotions including sadness, anxiety, and anger. ACT will teach you skills to help manage the inevitable pain and suffering while being more present for the beauty and joy that life has to offer.
FAQs
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All sessions at Emerging Psychology are held online through a secure, HIPAA-compliant therapy portal. This means you can access support from wherever you feel most comfortable.
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Yes! I currently accept Aetna through Alma. If you have Aetna you will be responsible for your copay at the time of service. You can check your benefits and book directly through my Alma profile.
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For clients not using insurance, my standard fee is $250 for a 50 minute session. I accept all major credit cards. If cost is a barrier, I encourage you to reach out — we can talk through your options together.
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Yes! I offer a free 20 minute consultation call. This is a chance for you to ask any questions you have, get a feel for how I work, and for us to decide together if we are a good fit. No pressure, no commitment just a conversation.