Owner of Your Bright Side Counseling Practice, LLC

Hello and welcome! I'm Heather Friedman, owner of Your Bright Side Counseling Practice and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor in Florida. I hold a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida and have over a decade of experience in private practice. I work with children (ages 4+), adolescents, adults, and families, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and related Cognitive Therapy techniques.

I am trained in Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, anxiety, and phobias, and certified in Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) to treat trauma in children and adolescents. I also incorporate Mindfulness (MBCT) and Acceptance-Based Cognitive Therapy, along with Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy and expressive arts for younger clients.

My therapeutic approach emphasizes self-acceptance while encouraging growth in areas of concern. I aim to create a safe, nurturing environment for change, collaborating with family members, teachers, doctors, and other professionals to ensure consistent progress and the highest quality of care.

For children and adolescents- I specialize in anxiety, ADHD, OCD, trauma, grief, depression, bipolar II, early substance abuse, at-risk behaviors, sibling dynamics, self-esteem, identity, children of divorce/separation, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).

For adults- I focus on ADHD, OCD, grief, anxiety, depression, bipolar II, parenting, co-parenting, family conflict resolution, life transitions, and supporting spouses of partners struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues.

On a personal note, I’m a nature-loving mother of twins, wife, educator, and advocate. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family and supporting others. I also serve as an adjunct professor, focusing on student success.

My personal philosophy is rooted in the 3 Hs—humility, humor, and honesty—which I aim to bring into both my practice and daily life. I feel privileged to guide individuals and families through their journeys, supporting growth and wellness every step of the way.