Dena Hein
Therapist, life coach, yoga teacher, mentor
About My Approach
My style is warm, open, accepting, friendly, and collaborative.
In all aspects of my practice I seek to offer a comfortable space for your unique story to emerge. Whether you are feeling stuck or facing challenging life experiences, we will work together to find the tools to empower you to heal and thrive. As an affirming, open-minded, and curious therapist, I see each person as unique. I work with clients to discover their own individual path to the change and growth they desire. I work with children, teens, individuals, couples, and families.
My education and experience in the counseling setting is based in psychotherapy and family systems theory. As a result, I am trained to use a variety of methods when helping clients move towards more secure relationships and satisfying life circumstances. The foundation of my theoretical practice includes Narrative therapy, Solution Focused therapy, Bowen Theory, Attachment Theory, Restoration Therapy, the Gottman Method, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
A Little Bit More About Me…
I have a wide range of life experience! Growing up, my parents were “hippies” who raised me to value issues of social justice with a commitment to service to others and a tolerance for our differences, whether they be political, social, sexual, religious, or otherwise.
As a young professional, I worked as a waitress, a nanny, a medical social worker, and a community volunteer. Later in life, I was a stay at home mom and then a mom who worked full time. I spent over 10 years at Valparaiso University as a Lecturer in the Freshman Core Seminar, and also spent time as a middle school tutor, a yoga teacher, a community organizer, and a fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana.
I’ve had times in my life where I’ve been happy and content, and times when I’ve been stressed out, over-committed, spread thin, and ready to break down. I’ve had years where I’ve felt healthy and vibrant and years where I suffered from digestive issues and Lyme Disease.
After 23 years of marriage, I went through an unexpected divorce that sent me cycling through grief, fear, and heartbreak. Sometimes there is no better teacher than experience. I feel grateful for all the life lessons that helped me get here… in a position to help and heal others.
Education
Master of Arts, Marriage and Family Therapy | Christian Theological Seminary | 2022
Master of Arts, English and Creative Writing | Valparaiso University | 2008
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology | Indiana University Bloomington | 1990
Certifications
Certified Health and Life Coach | Health Coach Institute | 2021
500 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher | Yoga Alliance | 2021
Registered Group Leader | Y12SR – Yoga for 12 Step Recovery | 2020
200 Hour Registered Yoga Teacher | Yoga Alliance | 2013
Organizations
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Indiana Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (IAMFT)
Indiana Counseling Association
Delta Kappa, International Marriage and Family Therapy Honor Society
Kappa Delta Sorority, alumnae, Chapter Advisory Board, Indiana University
Ready to take the next step?
Let’s get started! Take the first step by reaching out to me below.