Heather Venezia, LCSW
Founder and Therapist at True You Counseling, LLC
Issues I treat: PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, life transitions, codependency, gender-affirming care
Client focus: 18+ years old, individuals and couples
Specialty Communities: LGBTQIA+, polyamorous and/or ethically non-monogamous folks, sex workers
Treatment approach: I use EMDR, Progressive Counting, FLASH, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and parts work. I offer EMDR in hourly sessions or intensives.
Why I do this work: Like my clients, I have been through some hard times in my life. I am grateful for the friends, family, and therapists who helped me heal and move forward from those times. I see it as an honor to offer that healing to others and a joy to see them grow and evolve as a result of our work together. This work is deeply meaningful to me.
My professional background: I have an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Harrisburg Area Community College. While at HACC I created the Allies group (LGBT+ alliance) which spread to all campuses and helped create a scholarship for students who identify as queer.
I also have a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Millersville University. I worked a variety of internships in substance abuse treatment, an LGBT+ center, and in community mental health. After my master’s program, I helped start an inpatient women’s substance abuse treatment program at my first counseling position. Next, I transitioned to outpatient mental health where I worked as a therapist. During this time I was trained in EMDR, FLASH, Progressive Counting, and took various other courses. I was promoted to Clinical Director and also provided Clinical Supervision. I recently received my Clinical Supervision Certificate from Temple University. Now I have begun the journey into private practice.
What therapy with me is like: I blend humor with education and work to create an environment where my clients feel safe to be themselves and to discuss what is bothering them. I am sex positive and body positive as well as affirming for non-traditional relationship styles. I go at my client’s pace, establishing connection and mapping our goals. Once we have a good working relationship I may nudge them or help them course correct. I blend directness with kindness, curiosity with guidance.
Me as a person outside of therapy: I identify as queer, neurodivergent, and a life long learner. I live in the Lancaster, PA area with my partner Mike and our two dogs Colby and Max. I enjoy reading, stand up comedy, taking care of my plants, watching TV, trying new restaurants, laughing at Tik Toks and memes, and traveling.