Heidi Rucker, MSW, RCSWI

Here to Support You Every Step of the Way

I work with children, teens, and adults who may feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, different from others, or like they don’t quite fit in. These experiences can sometimes leave you feeling stuck, uncertain, or unsure of how to move forward.

I take a holistic approach to therapy, recognizing that each person brings a unique combination of experiences, relationships, strengths, and challenges to the therapeutic process. I help clients better understand the patterns, emotions, and experiences that may be keeping them stuck while developing practical ways to manage difficult emotions, strengthen relationships, and build greater confidence when responding to life’s challenges.

When working with children and teens, I help them better understand their emotions, develop coping and communication skills, strengthen self-confidence, and navigate challenges at home, school, and in relationships. I also recognize the importance of collaborating with parents and caregivers when appropriate to support a child’s growth and well-being.

Building trust and a strong therapeutic relationship is especially important to me. I enjoy incorporating art, creative expression, and sandtray into sessions to help clients explore experiences, learn and practice new skills, and express things that may sometimes be difficult to put into words. I also incorporate mindfulness and somatic-informed approaches to support emotional awareness and mind-body connection.

My goal is to create a safe, welcoming, and comfortable environment where clients feel heard, respected, and supported as they better understand themselves, recognize their strengths, and move forward with greater confidence and self-compassion.

 

Experience

I earned my Master of Social Work from Florida Atlantic University and have experience providing therapeutic support to adolescents and adults across community mental health, behavioral health, and school-based settings. My clinical experience includes working as a co-located therapist within the Palm Beach County school system, where I supported adolescents and teens in better understanding themselves, recognizing their strengths, developing healthier ways of coping, and approaching themselves with greater compassion.

My graduate clinical training included working with individuals navigating a range of emotional, behavioral, mental health, and substance use concerns. I have also completed additional education in addictions and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Before entering the mental health field, I spent many years working in healthcare, including hospital and patient liaison roles, clinical consulting, and the pharmaceutical industry. These experiences have given me a broad understanding of healthcare environments and the importance of listening to and connecting with individuals and families navigating challenging circumstances.

My background also includes volunteer service as a Guardian ad Litem, advocating for the needs and well-being of children involved in the court system. This experience strengthened my understanding of the complex circumstances children and families may face and the importance of providing consistency, compassion, and support during periods of significant change.

I have also volunteered as a reading tutor, participated in the Sierra Club’s Inspiring Connections Outdoors program, and taken part in international volunteer experiences. Across my professional, clinical, volunteer, and life experiences, I value meeting people with curiosity, compassion, and respect for the individual experiences that shape who they are.

Client Focus

• Children 8+
• Teens
• Adults
• Families

Therapeutic Approaches

• Client-Centered Therapy
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Somatic-Informed Approaches
• Sandtray Interventions

• Mindfulness-Based Interventions

Areas of Focus

• Anxiety & Stress
• Depression
• School and peer-related concerns
• Self-esteem and confidence
• Trauma-related concerns
• Adjustment and life transitions
• Emotional regulation and coping skills

Qualifications

• Master of Social Work (MSW) — Florida Atlantic University
• Master of Business Administration (MBA) — Bradley University

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) — Bradley University

• Registered Clinical Social Work Intern (RCSWI) — State of Florida