As your therapist, Heidi will be there to listen and help you explore your feelings. She builds upon your strengths while helping you identify options and practical next steps. Heidi assists clients in discovering what is within their control and provides steady support as they move forward—both during periods of growth and if setbacks occur. While she will help you understand how you arrived at this point, the primary focus of her work is on where you want to go from here.

Heidi believes the key to success in therapy lies within the relationship between therapist and client. One of her greatest strengths is her ability to connect with people. She seems to make friends wherever she goes and is often described as warm, approachable, and non-judgmental, with a unique ability to help people feel valued, heard, and understood.

Heidi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine.

Through her work in Minneapolis Public Schools, Heidi developed a strong foundation in mental health intervention, human growth and behavior, family systems, and community resources. She has significant experience supporting parents and caregivers of children, adolescents and young adults who are struggling with mental health challenges, helping families navigate emotional stress, school-related concerns, behavior challenges, life transitions and the complexities of advocating for their child while also caring for themselves.

Heidi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine. She utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a preferred therapeutic modality, helping clients understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. She works collaboratively with clients to identify unhelpful patterns, develop coping strategies, and build practical skills that support emotional regulation, resilience, and meaningful change. Heidi integrates CBT with a compassionate, strengths-based approach tailored to each individual and family.

Heidi works with life transitions, neurodivergence, infertility, grief, anxiety, depression, LGBTQ+ identities, trauma, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, teacher burnout, and parenting-related stress.

Heidi strives to maintain a healthy work–life balance. She enjoys spending time with family and friends and soaking up sunshine whenever possible—running, gardening, being at the lake, or throwing the ball for her dog. She is a crafter and hobby interior designer, always looking for ways to create welcoming, homey spaces filled with loved ones. Heidi meditates daily and makes a conscious effort to live in the present moment. She holds an attitude of gratitude and believes that it isn’t happy people who are grateful—it’s grateful people who are happy.

As Michael J. Fox says, “There’s no point in worrying because if something bad does happen, then you have lived it twice.”

** Heidi Carsello is an Independent Contractor at Orka Health and Wellness, PLLC