Heather Barton

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience supporting children, parents and adults through growth, transitions, and repair. I hold a Master of Social Work degree, and have worked extensively in the early childhood systems, community mental health and private practice.

A significant part of my professional foundation was built working within Head Start programs, Early Intervention (birth-3) and Preschool Special Education systems (ages 3-5). I have supported families navigating complex educational and developmental systems, helping parents understand evaluations, advocate for services, and access the supports their children need to thrive in school.

My work in these systems deeply shaped my clinical lens. I specialize in parent support and parent training, helping caregivers strengthen attachment bonds, recalibrate communication patterns, and respond to their child's nervous system with confidence and clarity. Many families come to me feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to help their child. Together, we build practical tools while also strengthening the emotional connection between parent and child.

With adults, I work from an attachment-focused and nervous system-informed framework. I integrate polyvagal-informed approaches, cognitive and behavioral strategies, relational therapy, and somatic awareness practices. I am also a Reiki Master/Teacher and coach, and when appropriate, incorporate mind-body techniques to help clients move insight into embodied change.

I frequently support clients who are:

• navigating parenting stress or special education systems
• recovering from relational trauma or divorce
• managing anxiety, burnout, or emotional overwhelm
• seeking to understand long-standing relational patterns
• working to strengthen their relationship with their child

With children, my work is play-centered and developmentally informed. Just as children are taught colors, number and letters, they also need to be taught emotional skills. In sessions, I use play as the primary language. Through guided play, storytelling games, art and imaginative work, I help children develop emotional vocabulary, identify and name feelings, recognize how emotions show up in their bodies, and learn healthy ways to express and regulate those feelings. I role-model and facilitate children in building emotional awareness, problem-solving skills, and resilience in a way that feels natural and safe for them.

Whether we are working on parenting, partnership, or personal self-development, my goal is to help you regulate your nervous system, understand your patterns, and make intentional, grounded choices.

Therapy with me is collaborative, direct, compassionate, and growth-oriented. I will honor your pace, but I will also help you move forward.