Courage to Center LLC
Find Your Center, Embrace Your Courage
Courage to Center
Life’s challenges can be overwhelming. My practice is here to provide compassionate, professional mental health therapy for people in Washington State and Florida, via Telehealth, empowering you to navigate life’s complexities. As a certified trauma therapist, I use evidence based neurobiology-informed approaches combined with mindfulness, as well as embodied and cognitive strategies to support and guide you towards meaningful change.
I specialize in treating trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, and helping people navigate life transitions and interpersonal issues. I recognize that these things have often very complex origins, and that there can be generational trauma, as well as emotional reactions to being in a targeted or underrepresented community. My approach is collaborative, partnering with you and recognizing you as the expert in your own life. It is my belief that we can use therapy as a tool for growth and connection. Whether you’re experiencing stress or fear about social and governmental changes, or that 2025 has you feeling as if you don’t know where to turn to find safety, if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or seeking a path to self-discovery, I would love to have the opportunity to work with you on your journey.
Our Services
Individual Therapy
Personalized one-on-one therapy sessions tailored to your unique needs, addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. I am currently only able to provide services to people located in Washington State or Florida.
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Specialized therapy using evidence-based techniques to help you process and heal from traumatic experiences, regain control, and build resilience.
Complimentary Consultation
A free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs and ensure we’re a good fit for your therapeutic journey.
Contact Me
FAQ’s
How does therapy even work? What do we do? I do wish I had a simple answer for this! It’s all tailored to your individual needs, though I can tell you a little about what to expect. After our initial consultation, our first session is considered an assessment, where we will talk about what you’re experiencing now, how it’s affecting you, and also get some historical context. We will also talk about your strengths, what you need and want, and set some goals for therapy. Most people start out meeting once a week after that, but again- it’s all very personal.
How can we tell if we are a good fit for each other? This is where the initial consultation comes in- we can talk a little bit about what’s bringing you to look for therapy, and you can ask questions about me, and we can try to get a sense of if your needs match my skills.
What about therapy for kids? I love kids, and if you’re asking about this, it seems there is at least one kiddo you love, as well. Kids are outside of my skills set, though, and I don’t work with anyone under 18.
Is Telehealth very different than in-person therapy? Not really! Telehealth allows us to meet with flexibility that can be difficult with more traditional, in-person therapy. There’s no drive to the office, you can be in a place that feels comfortable for you, and the Telehealth platform is secure and encrypted. I am also in a confidential office, where your privacy is assured.
Do I have to be in Washington State or Florida? Yes- I am currently only able to work with people who are in one of those two places. I am licensed in Washington State, and I hold a Telehealth Provider license (an out-of-state provider license) in Florida (https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/).
How much does this cost? What about insurance? I am in network with several Washington State insurance providers: Aetna, Ambetter, Cigna and Evernorth, Coordinated Care, First Choice Health (FCH), Magellan, Molina Healthcare, Optus, and United Healthcare (UHC/UBH). If you’re covered by an insurance that’s not listed, you can use your out of network benefit, and I can provide you the paperwork for reimbursements. If you’d like to pay cash, the initial session is $150, and each session after that is $125.
I am currently working on becoming in-network with Florida insurance providers, so right now, Florida residents would not be able to use insurance.
What about Employee Assistance Programs? Unfortunately, I am not able to work with EAPs.
What other limitations are there? I am a solo practitioner, and that creates some unique challenges! I am not able to work with court-ordered therapy, due to the additional time requirements. I also do not have the ability to provide crisis services, stabilization, or crisis response, though if you’d like referrals, I am happy to provide them. One great resource for crisis services is at https://www.inclusivetherapists.com/blog/suicide-and-mental-health-crisis-resources-that-don-t-involve-the-police-911-or-988
Get to know me!
My name is Heather Adaro. I am licensed as a mental health counselor and hold a substance use disorder certification in Washington State. I completed my undergraduate studies in Psychology at the UW in 2000, and earned my master’s degree in mental health and counseling psychology from Brandman University (now UMass Global) in 2018 at JBLM. In between those, I completed my training in substance use, and since 2018 I have completed trainings and certifications in neurobiology and anxiety, as well as trauma recovery. I feel very connected to the field of trauma recovery, and I draw from a few different therapeutic schools and approaches, including liberation psychology and internal family systems.
On a personal level, I love rainy days and all the cozy things that come with them, like drinking tea and wearing sweaters, but I don’t like to be out in it too much, I’m not a fan of getting my hair wet! I read a lot- everything from bell hooks, Octavia Butler, Grady Hendrix, and anything else that will challenge my perspectives. I like to run, and I have a lazy dog who will not go on runs with me, but who does like the finer things in life, like snacks (which, honestly, who doesn’t love a Fun Little Treat?), little pats on the head, and taking naps in my office!
