Heather Sherman, LCSW

Woman smiling outdoors with two dogs, one white and fluffy and the other brown and medium-sized.

Hi – I’m so glad you’re here! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Licensed School Social Worker with over ten years of experience supporting children (ages 5 and up), adolescents, and families. My background in school-based mental health has prepared me to address a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and social challenges that may be interfering with a child or teen’s overall well-being and success.

A special part of my practice includes my two certified therapy dogs, Mel and Louis, who are often part of the healing journey. Whether offering comfort, playfulness, or a calming presence, they help many clients feel more at ease and connected during sessions. Animal-Assisted Therapy can be especially helpful for children and teens who may have difficulty opening up or engaging in traditional talk therapy.

My clinical expertise includes working with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, family changes such as divorce, trauma, self-esteem issues, anger management, and neurodiversity. I also enjoy collaborating with parents and caregivers—helping them better understand their child’s behavior, strengthen their connection, and build strategies for navigating tough moments together.

My approach is strengths-based, integrative, and relationship-focused. I believe meaningful change begins with a strong therapeutic relationship—one that honors each person’s unique strengths, experiences, and needs. Therapy with me may include techniques drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Animal-Assisted Therapy, Play Therapy Techniques, Mindfulness Approaches, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT).

Above all, I believe that everyone has the capacity to grow, heal, and build resilience. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where individuals can explore challenges, gain insight, and develop tools that bring more peace, connection, and confidence into their lives. If it sounds like I might be a good fit, I’d love to hear from you. Reach out for a free consultation—I look forward to supporting you!

Meet Mel & Louis

Two dogs sitting on grass in front of bushes and tree, both wearing blue bandanas with 'Therapy Dog' printed on them.

Hi! I am Mel (on the left) and I am Louis (on the right). We are both certified therapy dogs and love spending time with our friends during session. When we are not working at Pawsitive Pathways Counseling, we spend our days at a school providing support and comfort to our student friends. We are told we are both very cute, but there is more to us than just our cuteness!

Mel: Some say my name Mel is short for my Mellow disposition. I love being a part of therapeutic interventions, and being a familiar and trusting helper, especially when my friends are going through hard times. When I am not working, I enjoy napping and being with my family.

Louis: WOW, I just love everyone! I love getting attention and I get really excited to visit with my friends. I have a lot of energy, which makes me a great support for those who need active interventions, as I help teach them how to be mindful of their physical boundaries and impact on others. I can’t wait to meet you!