Heather Niven
Educational Background
Heather Niven, MA, Ed.S., LAC, NCC, is a Licensed Associate Counselor in the state of New Jersey. She holds both a Master of Arts and an Educational Specialist degree in Counseling. Her graduate training included supervised clinical work with children, adolescents, and adults in outpatient and school‑based settings, equipping her with a solid foundation in evidence‑based interventions.
Clinical Experience
Heather provides individual, couples, and family therapy—both in person at Inner Clarity’s Hazlet offices and via secure telehealth for New Jersey residents. She has worked with a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety & depression
- Substance‑use and other addictions (relapse prevention, gambling, sexual)
- Trauma & PTSD
- ADHD and behavioral challenges in youth
- Grief and loss
- Bipolar and mood disorders
- Self‑esteem and self‑harm
Therapeutic Approach
Heather tailors treatment to each client, blending:
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills
- Motivational Interviewing
- Solution‑Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
- Strength‑Based and mindfulness practices
Her goal is to help clients identify values, build coping skills, and make meaningful, sustainable change.
Specialized Training & Memberships
- National Certified Counselor (NCC) – National Board for Certified Counselors
- Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC) – New Jersey
- Ongoing professional development in ACT, DBT skills training, and trauma‑informed care
Professional Philosophy
“I believe therapy should be a collaborative journey of self‑discovery. My job is to create a safe, judgment‑free space where clients can become more self‑aware, challenge unhelpful patterns, and move toward a more satisfying life.”
Personal Insights
Heather is described as warm, encouraging, and down‑to‑earth. She values lifelong learning and often weaves real‑life examples and humor into sessions to put clients at ease and keep therapy relatable.
Favorite Quote
“Be yourself; everyone else is taken.” — Oscar Wilde
Summary
- Ages served: Children (6‑13), adolescents (14‑17), young adults (18‑35), and adults (36‑65)
- Locations: In‑office (Hazlet, NJ) and statewide telehealth
- Pronouns: She/Her
If you’re ready to explore new possibilities for growth and well‑being, Heather welcomes you to reach out and take the next step together.