Dr. Heather M Ehinger, LMFT EdD
Dr. Heather M Ehinger
Family & Divorce Matters, Couples, Co-Parenting, Guardian-ad-Litem, Mediation and Relationship Consultation
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
I am a solution-focused professional for individuals, couples, and families seeking uniquely tailored, relationship-centered treatment. Our work together inspires hope for the future. We begin by truly defining your challenges and objectives. We progress by exploring new depths of self-examination and expanding your understanding of others. I will focus on leading you towards successful strategies to accomplish your defined goals and offer ongoing support as you navigate change. For couples, co-parents, and families, we will work together as a team, supporting both individuals and their relationships.
I am a thought leader and expert in matters of relationship trauma, divorce, and co-parenting. My clients often suffer from struggles with anxiety, depression, infidelity, co-dependency, personality disorders, addiction, and mood disturbances.
Discreet, privately designed services for your family's discriminating needs.
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Appointments are in-person or remote.. Many clients use a combination of platforms. Traveling is available, as are intensives for crisis-oriented challenges and focused work. Let me know what your needs are.
About Me
At my core, I am a problem solver. Armed with an undergraduate degree in psychology from Denison University and a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fairfield University, I began my journey of solving problems for families and children. At 50, I completed my education with a Doctorate in Counseling Education and Supervision. Throughout my career, I have remained loyal to supporting families and their children in all of life's ups and downs. In addition to my education, I bring my own life experiences to my work. I am a proud mother of 3 adult children, have struggled in a long-term marriage, navigated a divorce, and am happily re-partnered. I know firsthand how challenging, scary, and often complicated life can be.
It is important to me to remain current and relevant to the modern family. Throughout my 25-year career, I have kept up with the developments in my field by being an active participant in professional associations and advanced educational opportunities. I hold a membership in industry organizations such as The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), The American Counseling Association (ACA), The International Family Therapy Association (IFTA), National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), and The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC).
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Being actively involved and contributing to my professional field has been deeply rewarding and has enriched my career. As an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor, I have the privilege not only of working directly with clients but also of mentoring the next generation of clinicians. My commitment to the profession extends to leadership roles within my professional organization, including serving as President of the Connecticut Division of AAMFT. In addition, I have periodically shared my expertise as an adjunct professor at a local university.
I live in Weston, Connecticut, in a 250-year-old farmhouse brimming with history. A lover of projects, I first poured my energy into restoring the home, then turned my attention to creating and tending the gardens. In my spare time, you’ll often find me in the flower beds warring against weeds. When I’m not in the garden or working, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, treasure-hunting in flea markets, and exploring beaches and botanical gardens - always on the lookout for my next adventure.
My Philosophy and Approach
I am a family systems, solution-focused provider. I believe that understanding a family’s history, collective life experiences, and circumstances is essential to making sense of current challenges. Exploring beliefs and worldviews adds further insight. Once the system as a whole is understood, it becomes clearer how to strengthen family dynamics, improve outcomes, and reach your goals.
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Our work together will be collaborative and centered on the goals that matter most to you. With shared effort, we can build the intentional life you want.
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I begin by listening carefully to your experiences, your understanding of where you are, and the outcomes you seek. I lead with the belief in your inner strength and your capacity for growth and change. Together, we look at family structure, childhood wounding, attachment patterns, past trauma, generational influences, and current functioning to develop a strategy that supports your goals with the most effective interventions available.
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The therapeutic relationship is the foundation of success. I strive to be direct yet compassionate, respectful, and accepting. I bring my professional training, personal experience, humor, and creativity into our work. I also welcome collaboration with other professionals in your system—such as attorneys, providers, and medical or educational professionals—to ensure comprehensive support.​​
Therapy and Divorce Services
Individuals, Couples, and Family Therapy
Co-parenting Counseling
Parent Coordinator
Mediation
High Conflict Couples and Family Matters
Connecticut approved Guardian ad Litem (GAL)
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My work is centered on guiding families through the emotional and practical challenges of life. I support couples in many ways—whether as a therapist for relationships facing intense conflict or trauma, or as a divorce counselor for those considering or moving through separation. I help parents build healthier co-parenting relationships, whether they are divorcing, divorced, or separated. In select high-conflict situations, I may serve as a parenting coordinator or Guardian ad Litem to help keep children’s needs at the forefront. Whenever possible, I work with parents to create parenting plans that give children stability, security, and the love they need to thrive—no matter what changes the family is facing.
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​I am dedicated to reducing conflict and creating relationship-centered strategies that foster lasting change. My goal is to strengthen family dynamics by encouraging personal responsibility and supporting healthier interactions. I believe the best outcomes for children come from minimizing conflict and nurturing strong, positive connections with their parents and extended families. Children thrive—just like all of us—when they feel valued, understood, and unconditionally loved.​
Projects that Inspire
Like any dedicated professional, I’m always exploring new directions and deepening my understanding of human nature so I can best serve my clients and support families. I’ve learned over the years that growth doesn’t just happen in the therapy room. I also love a good project—and right now, I’m working on a few that inspire me.
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One of those is writing. While books and longer articles take more time than I imagined, I haven’t given up. In the meantime, I share shorter reflections and ideas on my Substack, and I’m also part of a writers’ guild that keeps me motivated and connected. You’re welcome to explore my Substack by clicking here.
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Some of my current writing focuses on the cumulative experience of working with divorcing families, particularly from the child's perspective.
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Another undertaking close to my heart is the creation of a therapeutic garden. It’s both a source of personal inspiration and a space where clients can meet with me in a calming, natural setting. Below, you’ll find a picture of its progress—I look forward to welcoming you into this growing space soon.
"And the time came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom".
- Anais Nin
Contact
The appointments may be in-person, virtual, or by phone. Many clients use a combination of platforms. In-home or alternate location meetings are available as needed.
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Our work together is a private matter; therefore, I am a private-pay provider. There are some situations where we can submit for out-of-network benefits. We will help you determine if that path is available to you and provide the needed paperwork.
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For appointments and inquiries, please call our office at 203-438-3139 or email us at heatherehinger@gmail.com. Ms. Driscoll is our paralegal and will answer any questions you may have. ​
