Heidi Carlson, M.A., LLPC*

About Heidi

Many of us can feel “stuck” in certain situations, thoughts, or emotional patterns. While suffering is a natural part of being human, remaining stuck in that suffering can gradually diminish our sense of meaning, purpose, and hope. 

With over 10 years of experience as a clinical dietitian, Heidi brings a strong medical foundation to her work and a deep respect for the mind–body connection. She takes a holistic approach to care and often integrates somatic practices to help clients gently reconnect with their bodies and develop greater awareness of their internal experiences.

Heidi’s work is grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which focuses on helping individuals build psychological flexibility—the ability to make space for difficult thoughts and feelings, while taking meaningful action guided by personal values. With cultural awareness, openness, and curiosity, Heidi collaborates with clients to notice their inner experiences without judgment, loosen the grip of unhelpful patterns, and move toward the life they want to live. 

Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relationship challenges, identity exploration, or spiritual concerns, Heidi offers a supportive space to help you cultivate a more meaningful, authentic, and values-driven life.

Contact Heidi: 616-773-2908 ext 150

EMAIL: heidi.carlson@ihcwestmichigan.com

*Supervised by a Licensed Professional Counselor

Education

  • B.S. – Bachelor of Science in Dietetics & Nutrition – Ouachita Baptist University

  • M.A. – Master of Arts in Family & Consumer Sciences with an emphasis in Dietetics & Nutrition – Western Michigan University

  • M.A. – Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling – Grace College

Treatment Interests

  • Individual Treatment for Children 6 and older, Adolescents, and Adults

  • Anxiety

  • Anger Management

  • Behavioral Concerns

  • Chronic Pain/Chronic Illness

  • Co-occurring Disorders

  • Cultural Concerns

  • Depression

  • Emerging Adulthood

  • Executive Functioning

  • Existential Concerns

  • Grief and Loss

  • Life Transitions

  • Parenting

  • Peer Relationships

  • Spiritual Issues

  • Spirituality

  • Stress Management

  • Suicidal Ideations

  • Trauma

Therapeutic Approaches

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

  • Culturally-Informed Therapy

  • Existential

  • Internal Family Systems

  • Mindfulness-based Interventions

  • Person-Centered

  • Solution-Focused Treatment

  • Somatic Therapy

  • Strengths-Based Treatment

  • Trauma-Informed Therapy


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Lisa Harlow, MA, LLPC*

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Deja Thompson, M.A. Counseling Intern*