About

Heather White Brighton, LSCSW, CEDS

Heather White Brighton is a therapist specializing in the treatment of disordered eating. Heather also engages people in their life journey with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, identity issues, and dealing with demands of our busy lives. With a focus on self-compassion, mindfulness, and parts work, Heather's clients appreciate her directness, her humor, and her willingness to remind people of the basic goodness of their true self along with the many protective parts which allow us to survive the trials of life.

When Heather is not in session, she enjoys spending time with her husband, 2 children, and dog "Shirley". Heather values her relationships, the mountains (Rockies, specifically), outdoorsy things, and reading or listening to podcasts.

Heather has completed Level I training for Internal Family Systems and uses this approach to guide treatment.

Heather’s theoretical orientation include relational focused, Bowen family systems, Insight oriented, and most recently Internal Family Systems.

Mindfulness

Heather engages people in the practice of mindfulness, meditation, and/or “paying attention.” Heather’s been a meditator, versed in several types of meditation including Transcendental Meditation, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, The Work, Samatha, and has many teachers including Tara Brach, Dr. Joe Dispenza, Byron Katie, Jon Kabat Zinn, Ekhart Tolle, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, and Pema Chödrön. Heather has also completed Level I Internal Family Systems Training which is aligned with the mindfulness practices Heather has experienced.

In simple terms mindfulness is “befriending ourselves and our experience”- Jon Kabat Zinn. Heather attends retreats, courses, and regularly practices meditation and is engaged in her own IFS or "parts work" process to allow for more self energy in her work with others.

Eating Disorders

Heather’s work with those with eating difficulties including Anorexia, Bulimia, and Binge Eating Disorder and even general stress around eating include a warm and engaging approach. Heather’s experience and current research point to the benefits of a treatment team approach including a therapist, dietitian, psychiatrist, and medical doctor. Heather is willing to start where her clients are and work toward full recovery and peace with food, the body, and most importantly the self.

Eating Issues are not about food, body size, or vanity. Eating Issues are the manifestation of underlying issues such as depression, anxiety, perfectionism, patterns of people pleasing, and a lack of authenticity within the self. Eating Disorders are biological, psychosocial brain illnesses.

Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, and Other Life Difficulties

Heather also works with families and individuals on improving their relationships, self concept, and gaining insight and clarity.

Heather offers a unique perspective in facing anxiety and depression, instead of trying to eradicate the symptoms, to listen to them. Heather joins people in finding the stressors, thinking patterns, and unresolved pain which fuels the anxiety and depression.

The Space

1623 Poyntz Ave is a freshly renovated space. Heather is proud to offer not only sound clinical services, but a safe and home like environment for people to do their work. The waiting area is a warm inviting space allowing for clients to become grounded before entering session.