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“Your journey has molded you for your greater good,
and it was exactly what it needed to be.
Don't think you've lost time.
There is no short-cutting to life.
It took each and every situation
you have encountered to bring you to the now.
And now is right on time.”
Asha Tyson
"May I become at all times, both now and forever, a protector for those without protection. A guide for those who have lost their way. A ship for those with oceans to cross. A bridge for those with rivers to cross. A sanctuary for those in danger. A lamp for those without light. A place of refuge for those who lack shelter. And a servant to all in need."
-Unknown
Heather J. McPaul, MS, LPC, GC-C, ACS, CMNCS
Owner & Operator
(Pronouns: She/her)
My name is Heather McPaul, and I am a professional counselor licensed in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and am a registered telehealth provider for the state of Florida. I am a former U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms, having served nearly 5 years in a mobile security squadron (MSS-3/MSRON-3) out of Bahrain, providing anti-terrorism force protection and participating in Operation Vigilant Mariner (OVM) for the Fifth Fleet and then as law enforcement and security for Commander Fleet Activities Sasebo, Japan.
I am passionate about working with veterans and first responders who are going through difficult times in their lives and need to regain their sense of balance. Whether it's transitioning into the civilian world, healing from their professional experiences, or moving on from unhealthy dynamics, I work with people who want to get their lives in better shape, and what I enjoy most about this work is being the battle buddy and guide to those seeking to discover and integrate their true potential, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve personal growth. It is my honor to assist each individual in their journey toward a happier and healthier life!
NJ Lic #: 37PC00661600 ┃ PA Lic #: PC012833 ┃FL Provider #: TPMC7628┃ NPI #: 1760849251
MY SPECIALTIES
Survivors of Abuse and Neglect
I support adults in exploring the impacts of childhood abuse (sexual, physical or emotional) and/or neglect on their self-esteem and relationships. From being raised by a narcissistic parent to the developemental impacts of corporal punishment, I help survivors of child abuse build on their resiliency skills and get on the path of self-compassion, recovery and healing.
Exposure & Stress Recovery
I guide military and first responders in recovering from their professional experiences and critical incidents. As a battle buddy in the mission to restore their mental health, I help them to mitigate re-experiencing, avoidance and reactivity responses that are still impacting their lives. Learn how to take leave of the past and look forward to a healthier future.
Healing The Mind and Body
I help survivors of sexual assault to manifest a greater purpose and reclaim their lives. I help to bridge the gap between the mind and body and update the systems that may still be stuck in past experiences. Survivors will finally be able to create a healthy sense of self, empowered to take on the world.
Loss & Bereavement Support
I offer a peaceful, compassionate space to process all forms of grief—whether it’s the death of a loved one or pet, the pain of ambiguous loss, or the quiet weight of secondary grief. Together, we honor your emotions, your memories, and the ongoing relationship you carry with what’s been lost—while helping you gently redefine life in its aftermath.
MY APPROACH
Inner Listening
My approach to counseling is holistic and trauma-informed, integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) and evidence-based trauma therapies while honoring the connection between the brain, body, and nervous system. I help clients understand how past experiences shape learned patterns, protective modes, impulses, and survival responses. Together, we strengthen regulation and internal balance, helping clients feel safer and more connected to their core Self.
Outdoor Movement Therapy
In addition to being a Licensed Professional Counselor, I am also an ISSA-certified running coach, which allows me to integrate movement into our work safely and intentionally. My training ensures attention to proper form, pacing, and injury prevention so clients can feel physically supported while engaging in movement-based therapeutic processing. Whether through a steady run or a mindful walk, we move at a pace that feels sustainable, using movement to regulate the nervous system, shift brain chemistry, channel energy constructively, and strengthen the internal relationship.
A Whole Health Approach
As a Certified Mental Health & Nutrition Clinical Specialist (CMNCS), I take a whole health approach to healing, recognizing that well-being extends beyond the mind. My work explores the connection between the gut, brain, and inflammation, integrating nutrition, lifestyle, and mindfulness-based interventions into clinical care. This approach supports nervous system regulation, strengthens the mind–body relationship, and enhances overall mental and emotional energy.
Premier Treatment For Trauma
As an EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) practitioner, I know this modality can be especially useful in reprocessing events and memories that stick with us and impact our ability to live a peaceful and healthy life. It is helpful in relieving the effects of traumatic events by easing unwanted behaviors and intrusive thoughts. It also supports the nervous system in moving out of stuck patterns, allowing clients to experience greater emotional balance and day-to-day functioning.
