Heather Barahmand, LPC

Did You Know

Heather is a first-generation Iranian-American who previously worked as a policy analyst and manager on federal programs. Outside of therapy, she enjoys working out, listening to audiobooks in cafes, taking reflective walks, and has an active meditation practice.

Insurance Taken:

• Aetna
• AMITA Health HMO (site # 197, 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 499, 500)
• Anthem
• Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO or Blue Choice
• Cigna, Cigna EAP, Evernorth
• Fox Valley Medicine HMO (site # 199)
• Meritain Health
• NU-SHIP
• Ravenswood Physician Associates HMO
• Resurrection Physicians Provider Group HMO

Specialties:

• Anxiety/OCD
• Caregiver Support
• Depression
• Difficulty Regulating Emotions
• General Life Stressors / Transitions
• Grief
• Identify Related Stressors
• Medical Related Stressors
• Relationship Stressors
• Self Esteem / Self Doubt
• Substance Use
• Trauma Work

Therapeutic Approach

We'll chart a new course together! Our therapeutic journey will be an adventure, where we share both hearty laughs and profound, cleansing cries. My approach combines a no-nonsense attitude with genuine compassion. I'll challenge you to reach new heights while offering unwavering support and a touch of playful mischief. With no judgment, just belief in your potential, we’ll navigate the journey to your best self.

Think of me as a guide through your own personal Inside Out movie, helping you understand the cast of characters running the show inside your mind. Together, we'll explore these internal dynamics to bring about profound change and resolve the root causes of your challenges.

Specializations & Interests

I’m passionate about helping individuals from all walks of life, including minorities, veterans, LGBTQIA+, and those in the polygamous and kink communities. As a first-generation Iranian-American, immigrant and refugee issues are particularly close to my heart. My specializations include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and intergenerational trauma, as well as addiction.

I believe in the magic of somatic processing, where you physically pinpoint and release emotions, transforming decades of trauma quickly and effectively. This powerful method allows for deep healing in a condensed timeframe, helping you feel lighter and more free. It’s like a fast-forward button for emotional recovery.

As a Certified Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist, I can also help you prepare for and integrate your ketamine treatments if you are working with a ketamine clinic or provider. This support enhances the overall effectiveness of your treatment, allowing you to take full advantage of the neuroplasticity benefits which go beyond just a temporary boost in brain chemistry. Proper integration is crucial to fully realizing the potential of ketamine therapy. Whether you choose to combine somatic and psychedelic therapy or focus on one, both approaches can be profoundly effective on their own.

In addition to somatic and psychedelic therapies, I work through a psychodynamic approach and trauma-informed lens, utilizing techniques such as Internal Family Systems (IFS) and mindfulness-based practices. I approach therapy with an anti-racist and feminist lens, ensuring that our work together acknowledges and addresses the systemic inequalities that may impact your life. My mission is to help you identify and address your challenges, showing you that real, tangible progress is absolutely possible. Let’s dive in and make some magic happen!

Biography

Prior to becoming a therapist, I worked as a policy analyst and manager on federal programs. In these roles, I gained valuable experience in understanding the complexities of human behavior and the impact of systemic issues on individuals' lives. This background allows me to approach therapy with a nuanced perspective, recognizing the interplay between personal challenges and broader societal factors. By incorporating this understanding into our sessions, I can help you navigate your journey with strategies that are both practical and deeply informed by real-world dynamics.

When not in a session, I’m likely at the gym, engrossed in an audiobook at a cozy cafe, or enjoying a long, reflective walk (beach optional). I also have a meditation practice—if you think meditation means stopping all thoughts or zoning out completely, you’ve got it all wrong! Let’s chat and make it an enjoyable and transformative experience.