- Anxiety and stress
- Parenting challenges
- Trauma recovery support
About Heather
Heather Zarate Santiago is a California LMFT with seven years of clinical experience. She focuses on anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting concerns, self-esteem, and ADHD, and often addresses stress related to caregiving, communication problems, and life purpose.
Heather works with people who feel stuck after major life changes. She talks through communication patterns and social anxiety. She helps clients notice unhelpful reactions and practice different ways of responding in daily life.
Her work often includes situations involving divorce and separation, domestic violence, immigration issues, and post-traumatic stress. She also supports people dealing with jealousy, infidelity, impulsivity, and phobias. Sessions address both immediate coping skills and longer-term patterns that get in the way of feeling more settled.
Heather uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques and adapts them to each person’s concerns. She pays attention to cultural background and life context when discussing options and next steps. Conversations are practical and focused on small changes that make life easier.
People who want a therapist who listens and offers clear strategies for stress, anxiety, parenting struggles, or questions about life purpose may find her approach helpful. Sessions are offered in English and Spanish. For people outside the United States, international clients are not currently accepted.
Practical therapeutic approaches and online sessions
Heather uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on concrete steps people can try between sessions. Cognitive-behavioral approaches look at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and teach skills to shift unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns, which can help with anxiety and social phobia. Trauma-informed methods focus on stabilizing symptoms, building coping skills, and addressing post-traumatic stress in manageable ways without pushing past what feels tolerable.Figuring out which approach fits best is part of the work. Heather collaborates with clients to decide what methods to try based on immediate goals, life demands, and personal preferences. Together they track what helps and adjust the plan as needed.
The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when that suits a day. Some formats may be better for lower-bandwidth situations or quick progress reviews, while others support deeper work when more time is available. Ask about the current session options when you schedule to choose what fits your routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
7+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she work with?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, self-esteem, and ADHD. Additional focuses include caregiver stress, communication problems, and life purpose.
How does she approach feeling stuck or directionless?
She uses evidence-based techniques and practical conversations to identify patterns that keep someone stuck. The work is aimed at small, manageable changes and clearer decision-making.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has seven years of experience as a practicing clinician. That experience includes work with trauma, parenting challenges, and anxiety-related concerns.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a California LMFT. Her practice is located in California.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Session formats are not specified in the biography. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions billed or paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing depends on the chosen plan and region.
How do I begin working with her?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session. That process starts the intake and scheduling steps.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.