LINDA HEINS, LCSW
My Story
I grew up in a suburb of Chicago and have enjoyed close relationships with my parents, younger sister and older brother as well as my grandparents. I was athletic growing up and flourished when playing sports. My parents had a large community of friends and socialized often. They taught me about the significance of connection. I was fortunate enough to attend overnight summer camp from age 10-20. It was at camp that I found my passion for adventures in nature as well as the desire to help others. I attended the University of Michigan and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology followed by a Masters degree in Social Work. And then I leapt. I leaned into my passion and moved across the country to Oregon to pursue Wilderness Therapy.
Not only did I find the start of my career but I found my home and my people. I spent three years working with troubled youth in remote wilderness locations sleeping under the stars more often than in my bed. I met my husband, and shifted to working as a clinician in a community mental health center. I began my private practice in 1995 which enabled me to balance my career with having time to raise my two boys. I have learned to relish all phases of my journey and I look forward to the next chapters of my life as I am becoming an empty nester. I enjoy traveling, camping, hiking with my dog and relaxing in my garden with a cup of coffee, the warmth of the sun and a good friend.