Heather Schumer, LMHC is a counselor in Coral Springs, FL specializing in counseling. Heather Schumer, LMHC is affiliated with BetterHelp.
“Hello! I'm Heather, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in South Florida. Let me share a bit about my journey. I started off my education at the University of Florida, where I majored in Biochemistry and Gender Studies. Life took me on a different path, however, when I realized pharmacy wasn't my calling. So, I headed back to school and in 2016, I earned my Master of Science in Counseling Psychology from Florida International University. I’ll always be a Gator, though! How many times in the last week have you said something along the lines of, “Are you fucking kidding me?” or "Why do I keep doing this shit over and over?" Clients that work well with me have probably said them a bunch of times. Are you part of Gen Z and struggling with anxiety and/or depression because of the socioeconomic and political climate in the US? Maybe you’re a millennial trying to balance being perfect in your career, maintaining friendships (likely by making plans to make plans), attending friend’s weddings/baby showers, and scrolling the dating apps trying to find the love of your life (maybe this time you reactivate your account will be different!). Perhaps you’re just trying to grapple with the millionth ‘once in a lifetime’ event that happened this week, or you’re a parent wanting to heal the trauma from your own childhood so you don’t traumatize your kid(s) the way your own parent(s) traumatized you. Or — you’re a first responder, a therapist, or even a ‘regular’ person simply struggling to navigate your daily reality and its complexities. I've had the privilege of working with clients struggling with a diverse range of issues, including trauma/PTSD, anxiety/panic attacks, body image concerns, perfectionism, emotional detachment, low self-esteem, phobias, and much more. More specifically, my expertise includes working with survivors of mass shootings and community-based traumas, millennials, individuals experiencing panic attacks, fellow mental health professionals, first responders, pre/post-op bariatric patients, and parents looking to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma. My approach to therapy is all about creating a space for clients to develop bottom-up coping skills and healing from trauma. I firmly believe that many of the challenges people face today can be traced back to unresolved childhood experiences. But here's the good news: I believe everyone has the potential to heal and build a happier, more stable future. I view participation in counseling as a partnership between the client and therapist. Clients define the problem(s) to be worked on and therapists use specialized knowledge to help their client bring attain their goals. While this sounds easy, clients often struggle to make changes, especially early on - change is uncomfortable, so it often feels easier to avoid. Most of the progress made in therapy is done outside of and between sessions, so what clients do between sessions will impact the sessions themselves. When I am not working, I spend my time at stand-up comedy shows, playing board games, going to live metal shows, playing with my pets, spending time with friends, and scrolling social media.”
Connect with this therapist via:
Online messaging - send messages throughout the day as you have time; relax and give yourself opportunity to fully ponder each step of the conversation
Video Visits - connect over video conferencing software for a virtual session -- almost as if you're there in person
Phone Visits - good old-fashioned technology for those who don't want to worry about appearance or who have might have internet bandwidth limitations; a little bit like connecting with an old friend, but with a counselor instead
Instant Message (IM) Visits - real-time chat -- like a phone call, but over text
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Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD/ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common disorders diagnosed in children. Nine percent of children in the USA have been diagnosed with ADHD. Symptoms, which include hyperactivity and difficulty maintaining focus or paying attention, can last into adulthood for some patients. Boys are four times as likely to be diagnosed as girls, although experts don't know why this is.
There are three main types of ADHD:
When diagnosing ADHD, it is important to rule out other issues that may be causing the symptoms. Seizure disorders, hearing loss, anxiety, and domestic problems are some examples of problems that can cause behaviors similar to those seen with ADHD.
Treatment can include stimulant medications, behavioral therapy to teach patients ways to navigate their world and control symptoms better, and accommodations at school or work. A structured environment (with lots of organization and well-defined rules) seems to help most kids with ADHD function at their best.
ADHD is mainly thought of as a disorder that affects children, but symptoms can last into adulthood for a third to half of those diagnosed. In adults, ADHD has similar symptoms as when it is seen in children: impulsive behavior, difficulty maintaining focus, being easily distracted, or a tendency to fidget. These symptoms can cause problems in a patient's careers and relationships. Additionally, adults with ADHD are at increased risk for substance abuse. Medications can be an important part of treatment for adults, as well as stress reduction techniques and organization skills training. Specialized ADHD coaches can help adults with ADHD manage their symptoms and succeed in all areas of their life.
Career Difficulties
Career difficulties are issues related to one's career and work experience. There is a growing awareness in mental health and wellness communities that work and career issues may impact one's wellbeing. Several studies have found that work challenges and poor working conditions can result in low job satisfaction and a reduced sense of security. Career difficulties can also contribute to day-to-day stress, anxiety, and relationship issues. Career difficulties may include problems such as:
These problems and others can make a job seem unbearable. For example, a demanding or detached supervisor can contribute to poor job satisfaction and work anxiety. Similarly, a lack of control in one's job, such as the inability to work on a project or make day-to-day decisions, can diminish one's workplace morale. Many workers in these situations find themselves dissatisfied and eager to leave their jobs or even to become fired. However, resignations and job losses can pose equally challenging career difficulties. Job loss or unemployment can trigger financial stress as well as feelings of isolation, depression, and diminished self-confidence. People experiencing job loss may feel dissatisfied with other job prospects or fear their career opportunities are limited.
For many, mental health therapy can improve negative emotions and behaviors arising from career difficulties and both those with jobs and those experiencing job loss may benefit from therapy. Therapists may listen to people's career difficulties and provide advice for navigating a number of work-related problems. Online counseling can be particularly helpful for career issues in the modern workplace in that direct access to a therapist throughout the day can help alleviate recurring pressure and anxiety arising from one's job. Many people find that therapy or counseling for career difficulties can improve their overall job performance and disposition. For example, therapists can guide people to develop and hone essential skills, such as building the self-confidence necessary to deliver a presentation or the sustained focus needed to complete a lengthy project. For those experiencing job loss or unemployment, therapy can help with feelings of isolation, depression, and diminished self-confidence. Therapists may encourage some to seek other job prospects and opportunities. Like some problems in other areas of life, difficulties in the workplace can be debilitating for some, and consultations with a therapist can help some overcome initial feelings of being overwhelmed.
Career counseling is another option for those with career challenges. Career counselors help people develop professional skills and gain the tools necessary to further their careers. A career counselor may help with job applications, coach practice job interviews, proofread resumes, and provide networking strategies to move someone towards his or her ideal career. Career counseling can also help people navigate work problems like lack of motivation, indecisiveness, and burnout, so that they might better enjoy their current position.
Some people decide to switch career paths in order to achieve happiness and fulfillment. Through personality and aptitude tests, therapists and career counselors can help people identify occupations or industries that are better suited to them. Therapists and counselors also take into account a person's intellectual and physical strengths, as well as what a person values in work, whether that be job security or opportunity for creativity and challenge. Therapists and career counselors may recommend people complete certification courses or educational degrees to shift towards their ideal careers.
Career difficulties are a widespread issue that nearly everyone who works has or will endure at some point in time. Many people find that mental health therapy or career counseling can greatly improve their career satisfaction and overall happiness.
Depression
Everyone knows what it feels like to get the blues once in a while. But depression is a serious illness that is more severe than a bad day and lasts much longer. Symptoms of depression stop a person from being able to function and enjoy daily activities for weeks or months at a time. It can happen to anyone, and it isn't something that people can control by force of will or "snap out of it."
Some common symptoms of depression include:
We don't yet know what causes depression, but it's thought that it is a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and social influences. Because of this, the most effective treatments for depression combine medication with psychotherapy. Therapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be extremely helpful in resolving the negative thoughts and feelings that come with depression. It gives patients new tools that they can use themselves to cope when their depression is making them feel down.
Some of the common medications used to treat depression include antidepressants such as SSRI's (Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft) or atypical antidepressants (Cymbalta, Wellbutrin). It's important to remember that these medications have different effects on everybody, and no one medication works right for everyone. Patients may have to try a couple before finding the one that works just right for them. If the first medication they try doesn't work, they should talk to their doctor about trying something else. In extreme cases where medication is not enough, electro-convulsive therapy and hospitalization may be the answer to keeping a severely depressed person safe.
Depression is a difficult illness to deal with, but it is more common than believed and there are many people who can help. With the right treatment, individuals with depression can get back to fully enjoying life again.
She has a state license in Florida.
Licensed In: Florida
Heather Schumer, LMHC is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Heather Schumer, LMHC has an average of 1.0 out of 5 stars based on 1 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Heather Schumer, LMHC from all over the web to help you find the right in Coral Springs, FL.
I had 3 online zooms with Heather. The last one was supposed to be in person but she didn't have any time due to personal reasons. I started with every week, but then I needed to go to every other week because of the copay (I am on a very tight budget). She said it wouldn't be effective at only twice a month so she suggested some other therapists. Our last appointment was coming up and I wasn't well. I tried rescheduling in her portal but it had locked me out essentially and I cancelled the appointment so I wouldn't get charged. I could not message her in the portal bc like I said - it had locked me out. So I texted her twice and tried to call. She told me that didn't matter and didn't want to hear that I got locked out of her portal - so I got charged $100 fee. I asked her to do the right thing but she kept citing the contract I signed, etc. I tried to do everything I could to contact her but no response. I don't think she's a very caring person to let that stand. So beware if you use her as your therapist. This makes me very sad to write.
Ms. Heather Schumer's area of specialization is counseling. Her clinical interests include career difficulties, depression, and attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD). She is affiliated with BetterHelp. According to BetterHelp, new patients are welcome to contact Ms. Schumer's office in.