Foundationally, my work builds on some pretty simple ideas:
- when people can have their needs met, they can be better people in the world.
- In a world that literally makes money off of your insecurities it is better to be at peace with yourself then at war
- Pleasure is good, but it cannot come at the expense of others.
These values I underpin my work as an educator and as a therapist, I’m inspired by bell hooks’ writing on love, Joseph Fiscal’s writing on democratic hedonism, and narrative therapists like Michael White and Alan Jenkins ideas about the power of therapy to transform both the practitioner and the client.
The Professional Story
I trace my sex educator origins back to my undergraduate days where I teamed up with a local nurse practitioner to run ‘hot and spicy’ sexual health discussions out of my dorm room. She handled the medical questions while I tackled things like finding a quiet vibrator (very necessary in close quarters with thin walls), navigating sexy time when you share a bedroom, or keeping a long-distance relationship alive while your partner is at school 3 provinces over.
I grew my educational and presentation skills within the sexuality conference circuit. Noted for open, approachable and information-rich sessions, participants often report learning more than expected or expressed appreciation for presenting a familiar topic in a new light. These lively, engaging presentations focus on fundamental skills such as communication, interpersonal negotiation, self-exploration, and being a good community member. Often these workshops are directed towards folks participating in consensually non-normative relationships, which is to say they practice kink, BDSM or ethical non-monogamy. While I have expanded my scope over the years, my passion for these communities or their practitioners has not changed.
Opening My Private Practice
In 2013, I opened my private practice offering sexuality counselling and coaching to individuals, couples, and non-monogamous groups, as well as running my own workshops. Working directly with individuals highlighted my passion for this work, and in 2016, I returned to academia to pursue a Master of Education focusing on Social Justice Education and Sexual Diversity Studies from OISE at the University of Toronto. Shortly after that I enrolled in the Couples and Family Therapy program at the University of Guelph, graduating in 2020.
Currently, I am a Registered Psychotherapist in good standing with the College of Psychotherapist of Ontario. I split my time between Bliss Counselling + Psychotherapy in Waterloo, Ontario and maintain a small private practice in which I provide coaching, therapy and education within a virtual setting. Occasionally, I can be found in academia as a part-time professor teaching on subjects related to human sexuality.
Formal Education:
- Hons Bachelor of Arts – Contemporary Studies (Wilfrid Laurier University)
- Fundamentals of Counselling Skills (George Brown College)
- Master of Education – Social Justice Education & Sexual Diversity Studies (OISE, University of Toronto)
- Master of Science – Couple and Family Therapy (FRAN, University of Guelph)
If you would like a detailed look at my experience teaching, publications, and conference presentations I invite you to contact me for a copy of my CV.
In my work, I never see my role to simply pass a ready-made solution onto you. Instead, I offer practical tools, caring support and curious inquiry to help you connect (or reconnect) to your personal power. You are already the best person to decide how your explorations unfold and what your destination is. My role is to use my expertise and experience to create a space that helps you accomplish your goals. If you want someone to hand you a pre-fabricated sex life, I’m not your person. But, if you’re up for exploring yourself and relational patterns, or you’re driven by a desire to build a life that is authentically yours, we should be chatting.
Fun Facts about Heather
I love a contradiction.
- I take beach vacations and bring the work/readings I’ve been procrastinating on. Yes, in my line of work it makes for interesting conversations.
- I love sleeping, but hate putting myself to bed. Wanna talk sleep hygiene and insomnia protocols? I know them because I have to.
- I absolutely know the importance of boring self care, like making a meal plan) grocery list, or reviewing my scheduling in advance so I don’t overcommitted. AND, I am constantly fighting being an absolute chaos gremlin who plans zero things in advance.
I am a personality test junkie…. Even if I’m also a skeptic. For the record:
- Libra, Libra, Ares
- Counterphobic 6
- ENFP
- If you remember true colours, I’m tied for green and blue.
(Apparently) I didn’t understand small talk, so my favourite random questions are:
- If you were writing a book about your life, what would this chapter be called?
- What colour describes your mood today ?
- What’s something you wish everyone knew about you without you having to tell them?