Heidi Arntzen , AASW

Heidi Arntzen is an AASW social worker who offers calm, down-to-earth counselling for adults feeling overwhelmed. She focuses on helping people talk through what’s hard and build practical ways to cope. Her manner is warm and collaborative, with an emphasis on respect and being heard.

Heidi has six years of experience across mental health and alcohol and other drug work. She supports people dealing with anxiety, stress, depression, trauma, grief and addictive behaviours. Many clients come when they are shouldering care or responsibility for others and need a space to focus on their own needs.

Sessions balance emotional support with hands-on tools. Heidi helps people strengthen coping skills, manage emotions, and make small, sustainable changes. She uses motivational interviewing, CBT-informed techniques, solution-focused work and psychoeducation to tailor practical strategies to each person’s life.

Her approach is trauma-informed and strengths-based. Heidi aims to build insight while keeping plans realistic and achievable. She encourages a pace that suits each person and works collaboratively to set goals that matter to them.

Heidi draws on lived experience supporting a loved one through mental health challenges and navigating breast cancer. That personal perspective informs her empathy and understanding. If you are unsure about starting therapy, she suggests beginning with a short conversation and taking things step by step.

Evidence-informed ways to work online

Heidi uses a mix of approaches that suit everyday problems. Motivational interviewing helps people explore their readiness for change and find personal reasons to shift behaviour. It is useful for substance use, goal setting and moving through ambivalence. CBT-informed strategies focus on spotting unhelpful thinking and building practical skills to manage mood and anxiety, with step-by-step exercises and homework tasks.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Heidi will talk through what feels most relevant and try methods that fit your goals and values. The plan can change as you learn what helps and what doesn’t - it is a collaborative process based on your needs.

Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat or text messaging to make counselling more flexible. Video is good for an in-depth conversation and visual cues. Phone can be easier when bandwidth or being on camera is difficult. Live chat and messaging suit shorter check-ins or people who prefer to type. These options let people fit therapy around work, caregiving and other commitments.