Heather Batten

Hi… I’m Heather! I’ve spent my whole life in search of understanding… … of myself, other people, and the systems around me. I have studied biology, religion, psychology, energy medicine, shamanic healing, holistic healing, and natural health. Healing comes by creating connections across all these systems in all time and space. While studying family systems theory, I’ve found explanations for the unhealthy patterns in my own family. I’ve often felt alone, misunderstood, and stuck in life. When I connected feelings in my body to past trauma – my past and the past of my culture and its systems – I could make life-changing shifts. When I saw that systems were falling short of their mission… I got involved in community organizing and activism. Community organizing is the process of building power through relationships. It is a way of making change involving bringing people together to understand problems, develop solutions, and influence structural change. I’ve always been inspired by the civil rights movement and how the power of the people and love can bring forth much more powerful change than any one leader. We can unknowingly surrender that power to others or systems. Community organizing helps us find that power within again. The principles of community organizing also apply to my work as a therapist as I work to bring forth the sovereign power that is the birthright of each human. A quick look at my educational and professional background… Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW, New Jersey license # 44SC05326400) Master of Social Work (MSW) – Rutgers University Bachelor’s degrees in biology and religion – Bucknell University Twenty-two (22) years of experience working with individuals, children, and families who have experienced significant trauma and abuse Twenty-five (25) years of experience in community organizing, starting with founding the Student Coalition for Equal Justice and working with the People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond Field instructor for graduate social work interns Clinical supervisor for social work licensure Post-graduate training in complex developmental trauma Certified trainer in the “Nurtured Heart Approach” Reiki Level II certified Experience with shamanic healing Some things I enjoy in my personal life… I am a mom and love learning from the amazing tiny human I have been blessed to guide in this life. Cheese might be my favorite food, so I’ll order almost anything with cheese or potatoes. Besides being delicious, these foods make me feel more connected to my Norwegian and Irish ancestors. I consider it part of healing my relationship with my ancestral lineage. Finding natural and holistic remedies for common illnesses is dear to my heart. My dream is to write down and organize my knowledge on the subject and have a dedicated space in my home for all my holistic remedies. I love astrology. My Sun is in Sagittarius, Moon in Cancer, and Ascendant is in Scorpio. I’d love to know yours, too! You’re no longer alone! I am excited to combine all my work and studies to guide others in their transformation. We are all interconnected and need each other to grow and love. This is a pivotal time for us all. I can’t wait to connect with you! Ready to move toward a better life? Call today, and let’s schedule your free consultation: (862) 505-1717.