Sarah Dunleavy M.S.Ed., M.A.Ed., NCC, LPC

As a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Virginia, I specialize in individual, couples, family, and group counseling. I maintain high standards of care and ethical practice in inclusivity and confidentiality. My office is located in a quiet setting with multiple waiting areas which allow for client anonymity and privacy. Wagner, a facility/therapy dog and black Labrador Retriever trained by Service Dogs of Virginia, is present with me in sessions. Wagner is 7 years-old, bred and trained by professionals, and a former member of the Virginia Tech Animal Assisted Therapy Team. He joins me in private practice with 5 years of experience working in the college counseling environment and 6 years total as a facility/therapy dog. His calm predictable demeanor assists clients in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, grief, pain, and physiological stress often experienced by those identifying as neurodivergent. My professional approach is based in humanistic-experiential theory which includes person-centered, existential, interpersonal, expressive, and animal assisted therapies. When appropriate I include additional therapy models in which I have training (i.e. cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, polyvagal and systemic theory). I am an ADHD-Certified Clinical Service Provider (ADHD-CCSP) and an Autism Spectrum Clinical Specialist (ASDCS) and completed trainings through Evergreen Certifications and the Sunfield Institute. I specialize in supporting individuals identifying as neurodivergent, and I am a generalist who offers counseling to individuals with a variety of mental health related concerns. Prior to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor, I was a licensed teacher in the state of Virginia, and later worked with NRVCares as a Parent Group Facilitator and Parent Support Educator. I also enjoy volunteering in the community, and some of my former volunteer roles included; nature educator at the Eastern Divide Ranger Station, founding member of the Blacksburg Children's Museum, and member of the Blacksburg New School school board. If you are interested in connecting, I look forward to meeting with you and learning how I can support you on your journey to wellness. Please feel free to email or call if you would like to schedule an appointment, or use the link provided to schedule a brief consultation. Consultation can support potential clients in determining if provided services are a match for their needs.