Get to Know Heather Shaw Mandala, MA

By: Heather Shaw Mandala, MA, Clinical Mental Health Therapist, Anxiety, OCD, Eating Disorder, and Faith-related Trauma Specialist

Hi, I’m Heather — and I’m so excited to be part of the Recovered and Restored Therapy team as a counseling intern! I will be graduating this May with my master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and I see this season as the intersection of everything I’ve loved doing my whole life: listening, encouraging, teaching, creating a safe space for people to be their authentic selves, and helping them rediscover hope.

The Long (and Winding) Road Here

I began my career as a public school teacher — 4th grade was my jam- and thought I’d be in a classroom forever. But before long, I realized what I loved most wasn’t the lesson plans or bulletin boards…it was the heart stuff. Helping kids feel seen. Empowering students to see the best in themselves and others. Talking with parents who were doing their best. Sitting in the messy middle with people and celebrating as growth happens.

After my first daughter was born, there was an undeniable pull into ministry.

After working in children’s ministry, the call grew stronger, and I now serve as a licensed local pastor in the United Methodist Church. If you're ever interested, check us out on Sundays! Here is the link to our website. Every step of the way, from pastoral counseling, leadership development, life coaching, partnering with the police department as a Chaplain, it has been an amazing journey, and I am honored to walk with individuals, families, small groups, and communities through real life — the good, the hard, and the everyday.

As my journey continued, I knew there was more for me to learn and do. I began my master’s program in January of 2024 and have loved every step of developing my skills to walk beside those who are willing to share in their most vulnerable moments.  That’s what brought me to Recovered and Restored. I love being a part of this phenomenally talented team who strives daily to be the best for their clients. You can learn more about our team here.

My Approach

I’m all about relationships and authenticity. I believe we were made to heal in community with others. My office is a place where you can find safety and empathy, while learning tools and challenging yourself to take those next steps in healing as you are ready! This is your life, your story, your journey, and I am honored to walk beside you.

When we meet, we might talk about how your brain and body are responding to stress (thanks, neuroscience!), unpack the patterns that have been driving your relationships, or find new ways to express emotions that have been stuck for a while. We’ll go at a pace that feels safe — no pressure, no pretense, just honest work toward feeling more like yourself again. You deserve recovery! 

A Few Fun Things About Me

• I have been married for almost 28 years, and we have two amazing young adult daughters (we survived the teen years and still like each other)!

• I love gardening, music, travel, and anything that brings people together — bonus points if it involves coffee and laughter.

• I love animals, of all kinds, and have waaaay too many!

  
  

Why I Do What I Do

Life is hard, mental health is real, good people can hurt us.  But,  I’ve seen what happens when people finally have a safe place to tell the truth about their lives — and find out they’re still loved. I believe healing is possible. I believe each and every person can break free from the shame and pain that feels like a prison. For those to whom incorporating their faith is important, I know faith and therapy can coexist beautifully. I believe that showing up, being curious, and daring to hope again are sacred acts of courage.

Thanks for taking a minute to get to know me — I can’t wait to get to know you.

— Heather

Other Mental Health Services Offered in PA, NJ, DE, SC, MD, CT, VT, and FL

We offer a wide variety of services related to eating disorder recovery including trauma therapy!  We offer Weekly Support Groups, Nutrition Services,  and Family and Parent Therapy as well as Coaching, all tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual. We offer our services for Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, and Orthorexia as well as Maternal Mental Health, and eating disorder therapy for athletes online in New Jersey, Delaware, South Carolina, Maryland, Florida, Vermont, and Connecticut! We are here to offer our support and understanding in a safe and non-judgmental environment.

We have immediate openings right now for eating disorder therapy in:

Delaware, New Jersey, Florida, Maryland South Carolina, Connecticut, Vermont, and Pennsylvania.

And recovery coaching worldwide.

Click here to get started with therapy today!

Recovered and Restored is an eating disorder therapy center founded by Gabrielle Morreale, LPC. We specialize in helping teens and young women heal from eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, orthorexia, and binge eating disorder and treat disordered eating, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. We provide eating disorder therapy in the towns of Horsham, Upper Gwynedd, Lower Gwynedd, North Wales, Lansdale, Hatfield, Blue Bell, Doylestown, and nearby towns with eating disorder therapy. Also providing virtual eating disorder therapy in New Jersey, Delaware, and Florida. Some towns served virtually but are not limited to Pittsburg, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Center City, Cherry Hill, Haddonfield, Mount Laurel, Cape May, Avalon, Brick, Dover, New Castle, Bethany Beach, Marydel, and Oceanview