Karena Heyward
Clinical Supervisor
Pronouns: she/her
Top areas of clinical experience: anxiety, depression and mood difficulties, family and marriage therapy, trauma-informed care, liberation-focused healing
I am deeply dedicated to my role as a Clinical Supervisor for VTMHI because I believe in its transformative impact on individuals and communities across the state, especially those often overlooked. Mental health care is crucial, and by supporting Residents in Counseling, I ensure that individuals and communities have access to vital resources. I see myself as a guide and a mentor aiming to help future LPCs trust their intuition in the counseling room, to continue developing their counselor identity, and to find and use their voice in creative, fun, and healing ways with patients.Â
My approach is rooted in developmental, anti-racist and anti-oppressive approaches, and liberation-focused healing models.Â
Being part of an organization addressing the mental health crisis and mental health professional shortage is beyond fulfilling, it is a part of my personal and professional calling. Additionally, I genuinely love connecting with and mentoring future counselors – it’s truly the best work I’ve ever done!