About
Heather Nitzki, MS, LMFT
(she/her)
Psychotherapist & Owner of Impression Psychotherapy (Heather Nitzki, LLC)
heather@impressionpsychotherapy.com
(616) 920-0113
Specializations: Attachment Dysruption, People-Pleasing, Self-Esteem, Relationship Issues, Adolescent Development, Anxiety, Depression, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Trauma & PTSD
"I believe that we all need safe, supportive relationships in order to not only survive, but to thrive. As a therapist, I aim to serve as that sense of stability amongst whatever chaos my clients may be feeling or facing. In our work, I won't necessarily tell you what to do or how to fix your problems - I wholeheartedly believe that you already hold those answers somewhere within you. With that being said, I do believe that it is fully my job to collaborate & explore with you, to bring you my honest thoughts & experience, and to work with you to to help you uncover your own unique answers & the truths that work best for you & for your healing.
I find that therapy works best when both the client and therapist feel comfortable enough to show up as their authentic selves. I consistently monitor progress in our work while taking more of an informal, unstructured approach in each session - showing up honestly and candidly, and really wanting my clients to do the same. My work focuses more on strengthening the relationship that forms between us and using the trustworthy, secure attachment that we've formed to help us go deep in revealing and healing past relational wounds. Structuring therapy in this way allows the therapeutic relationship to develop naturally, creating a lasting impression on both the client and myself."
A little about me personally:
I'm Heather, and I'm really glad you're here!
As someone who has been in and out of therapy for many years and has experienced significant changes in my life because of it, I wholeheardly believe in the healing powers of safe, supportive relationships.
As a therapist, I reflect deeply on our relationship and what is happening between us, making sure that we've formed a safe and secure base with which we're able to collaboratively explore past and present pains.
Together, we'll uncover the barriers that are holding you back from healing and living your life as your best, most authentic self.
My hope is that you'll leave our work feeling like you've gained a newfound confidence in yourself and in your relationships with others.
In my free time, I like to spend time in nature, binge watch my favorite television shows, cuddle with my two cats, and enjoy quality time with friends and loved ones. :-)
A little about me professionally:
My desire to help others began at a young age, with my free time spent volunteering and later receiving recognition for the contributions made to my community. My passion for growth and helping others continued throughout the course of my life and pushed me to pursue a career as a Marriage & Family Therapist.
I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northern Illinois University in 2021 with a Master of Science degree in Applied Family and Child Studies with a specialization in Marriage & Family Therapy. I also received a Bachelor in Science degree in 2019, as well as a Associate in Science degree in 2017. Prior to starting my own practice, I worked at Mindful Counseling GR as an independent contractor and psychotherapist.
I hold my License in Marriage & Family Therapy in the State of Michigan. My other credentials include recieving my 65-Hour Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Certification while obtaining 3 years of experience running groups with victims and perpetrators at Safe Passage, a domestic violence and sexual assault agency in DeKalb, IL. I have also completed Level I and Level II Clinical Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and am a certified PREPARE/ENRICH Premarital Counseling Facilitator.