About Me
The Heart behind Wholehearted
There was a moment, not long ago, when it felt like the heart of therapy was disappearing.
Almost overnight, most practices shifted to telehealth. I understood the reasons, clients still needed therapy, some more than ever due to COVID, also it was convenient, flexible, and opened doors for many people.
After COVID I returned to the office, spending many hours in big buildings where offices were vacant, or bare leaving the remnants of what used to be a working space. Sometimes, I may be the only therapist in the building all day. During this time, I met with clients who couldn’t safely or comfortably attend therapy at home. Others felt unseen and isolated, craving genuine connection beyond a screen. They didn’t just want face-to-face sessions — they needed them. For them, in-person therapy wasn’t an option; it was a necessity.
Still, creating a space for in-person care when the rest of the field was going virtual wasn’t easy. It would have been simpler to follow the crowd. But every time I sat across from someone who finally felt seen, who said, “I wanted to see someone in person,” I knew I had to do it.
That lead me to building a practice grounded in authenticity, accessibility, and connection, a space where being human is the point, not the problem. My therapy style isn’t cookie-cutter. Your sessions are driven by you, because you are the expert of your life. I use evidence-based practices but also believe in flexibility, sometimes the most healing thing is the moment that doesn’t come from a textbook. As an educator, I’m always learning, and I love sharing new insights or tools you can take with you (and leave what doesn’t fit).
Therapy with me isn’t about perfection or pretending. It’s about showing up as you are; messy, real, and still trying. I bring warmth, compassion, and a healthy dose of humor into the room so you can feel validated, supported, and empowered. Real healing happens through real connection, and that’s what I’m here to protect.
The Formal Stuff
Hello, my name is Heather Brandenburg, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
I graduated from Morehead State University, where I earned my undergraduate degree in 2016 in Social work, completing 400 practicum hours (think of it as an intensive, hands-on internship). Later, I returned to school to further my training, graduating from the University of Louisville with a Master’s in Science and Social Work, adding another 450 hours of clinical practicum experience.
Following graduation, I became a Certified Social Worker (CSW). I practiced under the supervision of a LCSW for 3 years in order to receive my own LCSW. During these years, I provided in person therapy sessions to individuals who had experienced adverse child experiences, domestic violence and/or other types of trauma. I was lucky enough to serve the Richmond, Lexington, and Winchester area.
Over the past decade, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Kentucky children, families, and individuals who have made it through some of the darkest places in their lives. It has been a pleasure to watch others find their inner strength.
Since 2019, I’ve been active in the education sector of social work, facilitating trainings for fellow social workers and contributing to professional growth in the field. At the same time, I’ve invested in my own growth—becoming EMDR-trained in 2020 and continuing my consultation hours as I work toward full EMDR certification.
My path as both a clinician and an educator is ongoing, and I look forward to continuing this work with the same dedication I’ve brought from the very beginning.
