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HL Portrait of Heather Lykas

Heather Lykas

Compassionate, practical care for meaningful change

LMHC Rhode Island

Experience
15 years in practice
Focus areas
Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger
Approaches
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages
English
Continue with Heather

About Heather

Heather Lykas is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) who brings 15 years of clinical experience to her work with adults and families in Rhode Island. She emphasizes cognitive-behavioral techniques alongside client-centered principles to help people examine unhelpful thoughts, build practical coping skills, and tap into personal strengths.

Background and approach

Her approach is grounded in empathy and a strengths-based perspective, with an emphasis on meeting clients where they are and tailoring plans to each person's needs.

Over her career she has supported people facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, anger, addictions, and the effects of trauma and abuse, as well as challenges related to relationships, parenting, bipolar disorder, and major life transitions.

Heather combines practical interventions with motivational interviewing and trauma-focused methods when appropriate, helping clients set achievable goals and develop tools for managing symptoms and navigating change. She invites those ready to pursue growth to take the first steps and offers collaborative, down-to-earth guidance through the process.

Integrating Evidence-Based Methods with Online Flexibility

Heather blends cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma-focused therapy into her online practice. CBT focuses on identifying and modifying unhelpful thought patterns and developing concrete coping strategies, which can help with anxiety, depression, and stress. Trauma-focused therapy concentrates on processing the impact of traumatic experiences and building skills to manage trauma-related symptoms and emotional triggers.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Heather works with clients to understand their goals, preferences, and needs and adjusts methods accordingly so the work feels tailored and practical. Over time the therapeutic plan can shift as progress is made and priorities evolve, with ongoing discussion about what strategies are most helpful.

Online sessions are offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to provide flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care, fit therapy into a busy life, and access support from Rhode Island without commuting to an office. Licensed professionals can use these options to deliver structured, skills-based work in a way that aligns with each client's daily routine.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?
Common areas of focus include stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, self-esteem, depression, addictions, relationship and family issues, grief, parenting, bipolar disorder, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe the therapeutic style and approach?
The therapist uses an empathic, down-to-earth, and strengths-based style and draws on client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and trauma-focused therapy as appropriate.
What is Heather's professional background and experience?
She is a licensed mental health counselor with 15 years of experience working with a range of concerns and populations in clinical settings.
Where is this therapist licensed and based?
Heather holds LMHC credentials and practices in Rhode Island; her listed credentials include MA LMHC 5945 and RI LMHC MHC00424.
Which languages are available for sessions and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English, and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered for online work?
Available formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different needs and schedules.
How are fees and payment handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What steps should I take to begin working together?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a session according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

15+ years

Licensed

Rhode Island, Massachusetts

Languages

English