Heather Lane Dunleavy is a dedicated Marriage & Family Therapist and recognized adult autism specialist. With over 21 years of experience as an educator, she shifted her focus to therapy after realizing the significant emotional needs of her students were not being adequately addressed within both educational and family systems. In her practice, she addresses a variety of emotional concerns that individuals often find difficult to express or communicate, particularly adults on the Autism Spectrum who may struggle with these issues. Heather is committed to empowering individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their support systems. She primarily works with adults but also extends her expertise to children and adolescents with autism diagnoses. Her areas of specialization include autism, depression, anxiety, and the unique challenges faced by those on the Autism Spectrum. Additionally, Heather collaborates with couples and families to improve communication and address dynamics within the home. With each client viewed as unique, she personalizes her therapeutic approaches, building rapport, trust, and effective coping strategies. For children, she employs The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) and play therapy, while adolescents and adults benefit from techniques such as Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Throughout her work, Heather maintains a trauma-informed focus, emphasizing understanding the situation rather than placing blame.