Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Heiser
Hi Rachel, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I started my undergraduate degree at The Ohio State University in 2012. I started as a music major studying viola performance! As my first year of undergrad went on, I realized I was unhappy as a music major, so I started researching other programs at OSU. I didn’t know much about social work, so when I found the page, I was excited; it felt like I found what I was supposed to be doing. After graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Social Work, I worked at The Buckeye Ranch (TBR) as a Child Protection Specialist in the Permanent Family Solutions Network department. I started the clinical route of social work about two and a half years later and transferred departments at TBR doing community-based counseling. In the fall of 2017, I started the graduate program at The Ohio State University College of Social Work. I graduated with my Master of Social Work in 2020 (my graduation was non-existent due to COVID-19). The work at TBR is intense, and it’s easy to burn out quickly. In 2021, I decided to provide less intensive services and expand my age range to adults, so I started applying to private practices. I met Suzi Rutti, owner of Rutti Counseling and Consultation LLC, and started working for her part-time, aside from working full-time at TBR. Eventually, I left TBR and worked full-time at Rutti Counseling and Consultation, LLC. I took Suzi’s EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy) part 1 and 2 training, which has become my primary treatment modality. Over one year ago, I made my target population first responders. I met my husband in 2018, who is in law enforcement, and being the spouse of a police officer opens a whole new world and perspective. So, a couple of months ago, I opened my private practice, Weather The Storm Counseling and Consultation, LLC—my practice services explicitly the first responder community, which includes family members of first responders.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been relatively smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road, and there are still a lot of bumps as I try to figure out how to own a business. As I mentioned, becoming overwhelmed and burnt out as a social worker is very easy. Working with first responders and clients who have experienced trauma, you are also at risk for secondary trauma, so it’s constantly learning how to balance everything.
As you know, we’re big fans of Weather The Storm Counseling and Consultation, LLC. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
I started Weather The Storm Counseling and Consultation, LLC, to serve the first responder community. This community includes law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, corrections, military (both active and veterans), and their family members. I provide individual psychotherapy and specialize in PTSD, depression, anxiety, and dissociation. I am also a certified EMDR therapist. I work with children, adolescents, teens, and adults. Being a first responder family is a very different lifestyle. You only understand if you specifically live it. It can feel very isolating, and finding a solid support system is complex. There is a great need for therapists who are culturally competent in working with first responders. What sets me apart from others is that I am a police wife. Clients feel comfortable with me because they know I understand; I am part of the first responder community. I am most proud that I took the step and started the practice! It has been a goal of mine for a while, but taking a step like this is risky for many reasons. I am proud of what I have created and am excited about everything I still have planned!
Pricing:
- Intake $150
- 60 minute Psychotherapy $125
- 30/45 minute Psychotherapy $90
- I am in network with Aetna, Medical Mutual, UHC, Optum, and UMR.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wtscounseling.com/
- Instagram: @rachelheisermswlisw
- Facebook: Rachel Heiser MSW, LISW
