Dr. Heather M Ehinger, LMFT EdD
Dr. Heather M Ehinger
Family & Divorce Matters, Couples, Co-Parenting, Guardian-ad-Litem, Mediation and Relationship Consultation
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
I am a solution-focused professional for individuals, couples, and families seeking uniquely tailored, relationship-centered treatment. Our work together inspires hope for the future. We begin by truly defining your challenges and objectives. We progress by exploring new depths of self-examination and expanding your understanding of others. I will focus on leading you towards successful strategies to accomplish your defined goals and offer ongoing support as you navigate change. For couples, co-parents, and families, we will work together as a team, supporting both individuals and their relationships.
I am a thought leader and expert in matters of relationship trauma, divorce, and co-parenting. My clients often suffer from struggles with anxiety, depression, infidelity, co-dependency, personality disorders, addiction, and mood disturbances.
Discreet, privately designed services for your family's discriminating needs.
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Appointments are in-person or remote.. Many clients use a combination of platforms. Traveling is available, as are intensives for crisis-oriented challenges and focused work. Let me know what your needs are.
About Me
At my core, I am a problem solver. Armed with an undergraduate degree in psychology from Denison University and a graduate degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Fairfield University, I began my journey of solving problems for families and children. At 50, I completed my education with a Doctorate in Counseling Education and Supervision. Throughout my career, I have remained loyal to supporting families and their children in all of life's ups and downs. In addition to my education, I bring my own life experiences to my work. I am a proud mother of 3 adult children, have struggled in a long-term marriage, navigated a divorce, and am happily re-partnered. I know firsthand how challenging, scary, and often complicated life can be.
It is important to me to remain current and relevant to the modern family. Throughout my 25-year career, I have kept up with the developments in my field by being an active participant in professional associations and advanced educational opportunities. I hold a membership in industry organizations such as The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), The American Counseling Association (ACA), The International Family Therapy Association (IFTA), National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ), and The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC).
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Being actively involved and contributing to my professional field has been deeply rewarding and has enriched my career. As an AAMFT-Approved Supervisor, I have the privilege not only of working directly with clients but also of mentoring the next generation of clinicians. My commitment to the profession extends to leadership roles within my professional organization, including serving as President of the Connecticut Division of AAMFT. In addition, I have periodically shared my expertise as an adjunct professor at a local university.
I live in Weston, Connecticut, in a 250-year-old farmhouse brimming with history. A lover of projects, I first poured my energy into restoring the home, then turned my attention to creating and tending the gardens. In my spare time, you’ll often find me in the flower beds warring against weeds. When I’m not in the garden or working, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, treasure-hunting in flea markets, and exploring beaches and botanical gardens - always on the lookout for my next adventure.
My Consulting Approach
Marriage, Couples and
Individual Consulting/Coaching
Family Assessment and Consulting
Divorce Services
We become a team to build hope and find peace of mind in your love connection and family. Finding solutions that make sense and meet your individual and collective needs is our main goal. Our work will inspire possibilities that life will not only be better but joyful again (or for the first time). Together we can face a variety of struggles such as divorce, trauma, parenting, addictions and co-dependence, affairs and teen acting out behaviors. With collective insights and effort, we can build your intentional life.
I work in a solution-focused manner with a belief in your internal strength, using a variety of family systems principles. I believe in your ability to change and grow. I collaborate with you to look at family structure, childhood wounding, attachment disorders, past trauma, generational influence, and current functioning to improve your life. My work focuses on identifying your goals and finding the most effective interventions available to support you in meeting those objectives.
Our relationship is the key to our success. I am direct yet compassionate, respectful and accepting. Professional training, personal experience, humor, and creativity are the ingredients for our success in working towards and meeting your personal goals. My staff and I always work with you and your family in mind.
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Divorce Services
Family Consulting and Assessment
Co-parenting Counseling
Parent Coordinator
Parenting Plans
Guardian-ad-Litem Services
Reunification Assessment and Consulting
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I began my career working with children, using play therapy to help them navigate life’s challenges. Over time, I saw a pattern—their deepest struggles often stemmed from their parents’ relationship conflicts. I shifted my focus to supporting parents directly, and the change in my young clients was profound. Today, I work in a collaborative team model, where I guide the adults while fellow therapists support the children. This approach allows us to care for the whole family, creating stronger relationships and healthier outcomes for everyone.
My work is centered on guiding families through the emotional and practical challenges of divorce. I support couples in many ways—whether as a therapist for relationships facing intense conflict or trauma, or as a divorce counselor for those considering or moving through separation. I help parents build healthier co-parenting relationships, whether they are divorcing, divorced, or separated. In select high-conflict situations, I may serve as a parenting coordinator or Guardian ad Litem to help keep children’s needs at the forefront. Whenever possible, I work with parents to create parenting plans that give children stability, security, and the love they need to thrive—no matter what changes the family is facing.
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While I may not be the right fit for every client, I will always do my best to connect you with a professional who can meet your needs. In my work, I am dedicated to reducing conflict and creating relationship-centered strategies that foster lasting change. My goal is to strengthen family dynamics by encouraging personal responsibility and supporting healthier interactions. I believe the best outcomes for children come from minimizing conflict and nurturing strong, positive connections with their parents and extended families. Children thrive—just like all of us—when they feel valued, understood, and unconditionally loved.
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"And the time came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom".
- Anais Nin
Contact
The appointments may be in-person, virtual, or by phone. Many clients use a combination of platforms. In-home or alternate location meetings are available as needed.
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Our work together is a private matter; therefore, I am a private-pay provider. There are some situations where we can submit for out-of-network benefits. We will help you determine if that path is available to you and provide the needed paperwork.
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For appointments and inquiries, please call our office at 203-438-3139 or email us at heatherehinger@gmail.com. Ms. Driscoll is our paralegal and will answer any questions you may have.
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