Dr. Rachel Heater is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with specialized training in the science of relationships. As an Adjunct Professor at Mercy University, she teaches couples theory and practice, shaping the next generation of relationship therapists. She is a Clinical Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and a Certified Parent Coordinator, demonstrating her dedication to excellence in the field.

With a deep passion for helping couples and families navigate challenges, Dr. Heater specializes in conflict resolution, communication enhancement, relationship strengthening, and reconnecting partners in meaningful ways. Her approach is integrative, holistic, and grounded in scientific research, ensuring that therapy is not only effective but also engaging and transformative. She fosters a collaborative and dynamic therapeutic environment where individuals and couples gain profound insights into themselves and their relationships.

Dr. Heater earned her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Mercy University and her Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University, specializing in General Family Therapy. She has achieved Level 3 Gottman Training with the Gottman Institute and has pursued additional advanced training in infidelity recovery, attachment dynamics, parenting, divorcing families, family reunification, and child-centered play therapy through the National Institute of Relationship Enhancement.

As an extension of her work as a family therapist, she and her two-year old Australian Shepherd, Murray (named after the renowned family theorist Murray Bowen) work as a team volunteering in local schools to bring comfort, spread smiles, and support the mental health of children and staff.