Heather Sestili has her Master of Science in Counseling Psychology, a Licensed Professional Counselor, Infant Toddler Mental Health Specialist(R) and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor and trained in EMDR, hypnosis and Autism Play Therapy-AutPlay. She is a child development specialist with a passion to heal the hearts of traumatized and anxious children.
With over 16 years of clinical experience, Heather uses non-directed and directed play therapy with children. She is trained in sand play, art, puppetry, experiential play, Ther-a-play®, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma focused, cognitive-behavioral therapy, Autism Play-AutPlay®, filial therapy, floor time, and hypnosis to resolve somatic experiences, anxiety, stabilize moods, reduce aggressive and reactionary behaviors and increase personal skills and communication while enhancing attachment with trusted care giver.
Heather's nurturing approach with her extensive training offers children and parents reparative experiences. She assesses children’s attachment styles, help children process grief and loss, reduce anxiety, and work through one's experiences to reduce the child's disruptive behaviors. She offers compassion to parents’ experiences with understanding of the impact of the child's trauma on brain and development. Parents receive psycho-education with proven and practical techniques to support their child during times of emotional struggles. Through the therapeutic process, she assists children to regain a sense of security, increase trust in the care giver, and improve parent-child relationship, provide parenting techniques and offer new coping and communication skills to build the child's self-esteem.
In addition, Heather promoted play therapy as a Board Member with the Arizona Association for Play Therapy. She was the treasurer, co-chairperson of the Education Series, and past President 2012. She also volunteers with the National Board of Play Therapy (APT) on the conference committee. Heather mentored future endorsees with Infant Toddler Mental Health Coalition in AZ (ITMHCA).
Heather received her Bachelors degree in Child Development and Child Care from the University of Pittsburgh in PA and Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University in PA.
When not assisting children and families, Heather spends her time traveling, hiking and back packing, and lives in Phoenix with her husband and cat.
About Heather:
