Heidi Arntzen, AASW

Heidi Arntzen is an AASW social worker with six years' experience supporting adults through busy, stressful chapters of life. She offers a calm, down-to-earth space where people can speak openly and be heard without judgement. Sessions focus on small, practical steps that make day-to-day life easier and less overwhelming.

Heidi tends to work with people dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, grief and the effects of trauma. She also supports those facing alcohol and other drug concerns, burnout, life transitions and relationship or family stress. Her background includes mental health and AOD settings, so she is familiar with both emotional concerns and substance-related challenges.

Her style is warm, collaborative and practical rather than prescriptive. Heidi helps people build coping skills, strengthen insight and try out new habits that fit their everyday life. She balances emotional support with straightforward tools that can be used between sessions.

Heidi draws on person-centred, strengths-based and trauma-informed practice. She uses evidence-informed techniques such as motivational interviewing and CBT-informed strategies to help people clarify goals and find workable steps forward. Sessions are paced to suit each person’s needs and readiness.

If someone is unsure about therapy, Heidi suggests starting with a conversation to see if it feels like a good fit. The aim is steady, meaningful change that fits the client’s values and day-to-day routine.

How Heidi’s approaches work online and in sessions

Heidi uses a mix of evidence-informed techniques that focus on thoughts, everyday habits and practical skills. Motivational interviewing helps people find and strengthen their own reasons for change by guiding conversations about goals and values. CBT-informed strategies look at patterns of thinking and behaviour and teach simple tools to reduce anxiety and lift mood.

She also draws on strengths-based and solution-focused ideas, helping people notice what already works and build on it. These approaches are action-orientated and suit people who want concrete steps they can try between sessions. The therapist collaborates with each person to choose techniques that fit their life and aims.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. Heidi will discuss options, try methods and adjust based on what helps most. That collaborative process lets the client shape therapy to match their needs, goals and preferences.

Practical benefits of online therapy can include fitting sessions around work and family commitments and reducing travel time. If you plan to try online sessions, confirm the available formats before booking so you know what is offered. Online work can make it easier to maintain momentum with short check-ins and skills practice between meetings.