Welcome to IFC

We are so glad that you are here.

First, take a deep breath and give yourself credit. Getting this far has taken a lot of courage and personal strength!

Now, let us tell you a little about who we are here at IFC.

Heather Zawislak, MA, LCSW

I am a strong believer in the power of talk. Talking heals. Many people shy away from connecting with a therapist because they feel they have plenty of support from friends, family, and even co-workers - why would they need a therapist? While I agree that the support from loved ones is essential to a happy and healthy life, the benefit of a counselor is having an uninvolved ear, an unbiased, and non-judgmental person who can help the individual look at their life in ways a friend or family member may not be able to within the scope of a personal relationship. I have always felt that the relationship between client and therapist has the potential to be one of the most positive and empowering ones for an individual. Whether you want to talk about your childhood, your current life situation, or make plans and set goals for your future, I can promise you a warm, caring environment and empathetic ear.

As a trauma specialized therapist I work closely with survivors of trauma and abuse process their experiences and regain mastery of their lives and bodies. I have extensive experience in treating trauma in adults, adolescents, and young children and began my social work career treating children who have experienced sexual abuse, assault, incest, and more. I work with the survivor and their non-offending family members to help rebuild control, confidence, support, and a healthy sense of self. I also provide EMDR therapy which is a trauma specific modality that works to support the brain in reprocessing traumatic events or experiences and relieves distress by encouraging healthy adaptive processing.

Another passion of mine is fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum. I know that the decision to become a parent is not usually taken lightly and the road to getting there can be challenging and traumatic for some. Options like IVF can be emotionally and physically draining, losses can be paralyzing - I can help support you through this chapter and any others that may arise. As a parent, I know first hand the trials of pregnancy and postpartum and what mental health struggles can come along with this new chapter of life. I can help you process through the thoughts and feelings (even the ugly ones), and help you regain a sense of self again. Becoming a parent can bring up a lot of unresolved trauma, let me help you navigate it so you can be your healthiest and happiest self for you and your family.

I believe in teamwork in setting goals and reaching them. You are not alone and you are important - I work with my clients to help them establish tools and coping skills that feel comfortable and in line with who they are as individuals. You have the resilience and strength to overcome any obstacle and I will be there every step of the way of your journey. If you are ready to embark on living your best life but feel you may need a little extra support, I can help!

Adam Birkenstock, LCSW

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience, I consider myself a compassionate and skilled therapist dedicated to helping individuals navigate the challenges of anxiety, depression, and life transitions. With a solid foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, I employ an eclectic style, integrating evidence-based practices to tailor my approach to each client's unique needs. I have a special commitment to LGBTQ wellness and take an inclusive and affirming approach, creating a safe space for individuals to explore their identities and address unique challenges they may face. The majority of my career has focused on addiction treatment, assessment, and recovery. Recovery is complex, and I assist clients in building resilience, coping skills, and fostering a sense of empowerment in their recovery journey. No two paths are the same – I’m here to help you find your own best path and the best tools to clear the way. Reach out today for a free conversation to see if we’re a good fit!

Just as you’re working to improve your life and circumstances, I work to stay current with the latest research and therapeutic modalities. This dedication ensures that my clients receive the most effective and up-to-date interventions, maximizing the impact of your therapeutic journey. My approach is grounded in empathy, warmth, and a deep respect for each client's unique experiences. Therapy is collaborative, and I work to foster a strong therapeutic alliance where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives.

Beyond individual therapy, I offer consultation and supervision services, drawing on over a decade of experience in individual, group, and family care as well as nonprofit and community service. My knowledge base includes nonprofit strategic planning, where I collaborate with organizations to enhance their impact and effectiveness in the community. A passionate advocate for social emotional learning, I recognize the importance and long history of emotional intelligence in helping students to develop into healthy adults. Through my work as a nonprofit administrator, I’ve had the good fortune to consult with school districts, human service agencies, and individuals in private practice. Let’s talk about how we can help improve your workplace!

I am also an experienced professional educator of over 7 years, providing training and seminars to school-based staff, behavioral health professionals, medical staff, and community members on topics from building healthy family communication to best practices in treating addiction. My trainings are dynamic, interactive, and focus on practicable information you can bring into your next session, class period, patient interaction, or meeting. From 30 minutes to 4 hours, I aim to be a flexible presenter and pride myself on making meaningful connections and delivering important information. I also offer supervision services to consult on education and presentation sessions as well.