Heather Horton, MS, Intern
With over 15 years in the counseling field before embarking on my journey to become a therapist, I bring a wealth of experience to my practice. I earned my undergraduate degree in Sociology and Social Work before completing my Master of Science in School Counseling from Drake University in 2019. After five years as a School Counselor, I felt a deep desire to further support students and parents, which led me to pursue my Clinical Mental Health license through an internship at New Life.
My background includes working as a counselor for youth in a residential treatment facility and as a drug and alcohol counselor for adults. Additionally, I ran a technology-free in-home daycare for over six years, driven by my belief in limiting screen time for young children to foster essential social and emotional skills.
My passion lies in guiding youth through both significant and everyday challenges. As a former college athlete, I understand the pressures of high-level sports and the stress that accompanies academic and extracurricular expectations. I employ a cognitive-behavioral approach combined with mindfulness techniques to help children understand their reactions and manage their emotions effectively. My goal is to support parents in navigating today’s unique world, whether they are current, future, or prospective caregivers.
Rooted in my own experiences growing up on an acreage, I now live in the countryside with my husband, daughter, two dogs, and soon, perhaps some mini cows. I currently serve as a School Counselor at Southview Middle School. Outside of work, I cherish family time, outdoor activities, gardening, and attending my daughter’s events.
I look forward to working with individuals of all ages, including couples, and am eager to embark on this journey with you.
Contact Heather
Heather sees clients at the Ankeny office and by telehealth, please call for an appointment:
Ankeny Office
227 NW School Street
Ankeny, IA 50023
Phone: (515) 964-5003
Special Interests:
- Performance anxiety (athletics)
- Parenting
- Family Therapy
- Individuals of all ages
- Couples
- School related stressors
- Adolescent development
- Bullying
- Social anxiety
- Identity struggles youth and adults
- Executive functioning skills
- Depression
- Self-harm youth
- Anxiety
- School transitioning stress (parents and students)
- Grief/loss