Meet Our Therapist: Heather Lutz-Neff
Why I Chose This Area:
I knew I needed a career that was deeply meaningful—one that allowed me to help people feel less alone and more understood. Therapy is one of the most fulfilling ways I can spend my life, offering a space for healing, connection, and growth.
I love that therapy engages so many different parts of me—my emotional, creative, analytical, spiritual, and even slightly nerdy sides! Every session is an opportunity to bring all of these aspects together to support my clients in their journeys toward healing.
What I Want Clients to Know About Me:
I deeply value feedback in therapy because I believe it’s a worthwhile investment—one that should truly meet your needs. Your feedback helps me tailor my approach, refine interventions, and ensure that you feel safe, heard, and supported throughout our work together.
One of my favorite quotes captures the heart of my approach to therapy:
“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.”
—Bessel van der Kolk
A Few of My Favorite Things:
When I’m not spending time with my husband, daughter, and our rescued beagle, you’ll probably find me in the kitchen, baking and cooking without recipes, or exploring local thrift shops for hidden treasures.
I’m a big believer in the power of laughter, both for healing and for boosting our happy neurotransmitters! That’s why I highly recommend Dumb and Dumber (or any great comedy) as a fun way to unwind. For emotional exploration, I suggest Inside Out 1 & 2—perfect for both kids and adults who want to reconnect with their inner child.
As for books, I often recommend:
What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry, MD, PhD – A deep dive into trauma, resilience, and healing.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD – A must-read on the mind-body connection in trauma recovery.
A Fun or Unexpected Fact About Me:
I got my first tattoo in Costa Rica while studying abroad—an unforgettable experience!
A Little More About Me:
I’m an iced coffee enthusiast, Mexican food lover, Enneagram 8, and proud Lancaster native. I find joy in the simple things in life and believe that relationships are the greatest treasures we have.
If you asked me what I’m most proud of, I’d say it’s the strong relationships I’ve built—I’ve had the same core group of friends since high school and even married my high school sweetheart! My ideal day? Spending quality time outdoors in the summer with the people I love most.
Heather Lutz-Neff, LSW
Therapist at Integrate Therapy & Wellness Collective
How Long I’ve Been Practicing:
I have been practicing therapy for over a year, but my passion for helping others has guided me through more than eight years in the human services field.
My Areas of Expertise:
I am passionate about working with individuals and couples who are seeking wholeness, peace, and deeper connections. In my experience, these desires are universal, no matter what brings someone to therapy. I have had the privilege of working alongside clients navigating relational trauma, grief, substance use, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, depression, and anger.
My therapeutic approach integrates Internal Family Systems (IFS)/Parts Work and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients better understand themselves and shift unhelpful thought patterns. For couples, I use The Gottman Method to enhance communication, address past hurts, and strengthen relationships through effective conflict management.