Hello
My name is Dawn and I am approaching twenty years of experience working with all ages and populations serving as an outpatient and PHP clinician, clinical director and supervisor, intake coordinator, access manager, CARF Surveyor, coach, advocator, and leader. My passion to become a helper started when I was in therapy for the majority of my adolescent life and found it incredibly helpful. It is a part of what has formed my strong belief that family systems and our family history has a strong influence on who we are and how we act today.
My motto is, "It's okay to NOT be okay" and I am not your typical counselor that you may see on TV, social media, and TikTok feeds. I am very transparent, blunt, open, and honest. I will not hesitate to get straight to the point. Some might call my bluntness a "weakness," but I value it as my greatest strength because I know what it is like to struggle and will waste zero time in helping you feel better. I believe that therapy is a journey and the key to success is trust. Like any journey, there will be challenges, road bumps, fear, anger, tears, vulnerability, guilt, grief, defeat and yet at the same time - opportunities for new beginnings, growth success, safety, laughter, acceptance, happiness, excitement, and gratitude. In order for one to be vulnerable and succeed in this journey, it is important to trust that you have the right person on your side. I invite you read my bio and if you think we might be a good fit, I would be honored to help you along this journey.
Education and Career
I received my Bachelor of Applied Arts from Central Michigan University in Family Studies and Business Entrepreneurship, then went on to obtain a Masters of Arts in Education from The University of Akron in Marriage and Family Therapy and Clinical Counseling. I was clinically trained at an American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) accredited program and began my career specializing in working with couples and families.
My professional journey began at Akron Child Guidance and Family Solutions where I provided outpatient counseling to couples, families and adolescents. I quickly transitioned back to Michigan and expanded a partial hospitalization program into multiple cities within Macomb County. I actively chaired on the compliance committee on the Board of Directors for Macomb County COC to end homelessness and was an active member on the Data and Analytics Committee for the Wayne County COC. I served as a Clinical Director at a secure residential treatment facility and as the Director of Social Services for a non profit that provided seven grant funded programs in thirty four counties across Michigan for unhoused veterans. I have and continue to provide clinical supervision since 2006 for LLPCs and LPCs throughout the State of Michigan. My experience as a CARF Surveyor allows me to ensure that clients’ best interest remains the number one priority by providing the best practices.
In 2019, I played an active role in the Michigan Legislative Process to pass the bill HB4325. This bill was critical as it allows Licensed Professional Counselors to continue providing counseling services, diagnosis, and clinical interventions to individuals in the State of Michigan. This is one of the fastest moving bills in history that passed on October 17, 2019 and signed by the Governor on October 29, 2019.
Therapeutic Interventions and Specialties
Throughout my roles within the profit and non profit sector, I have continuously provided therapy for members of the community. As a clinician, I specialize in marriage and family counseling incorporating REBT, Minunchin, Bowen Family Systems, Gottman and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques). Although my speciality lies in Marriage and Family Therapy, The William Steeles Certified Trauma Practitioner program has provided me the privilege of helping children, adolescents, teens and their families struggling with complex trauma for over fourteen years.
Although I specialize in marriage and family counseling, I love to provide support and help those struggling with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, ADHD, OCD, bipolar, grief, behavioral issues, suicidal ideation, anger, low self esteem, parenting, stress, teen issues, adjustment, autism and more. I was trained by Carol Hartford herself from the Ann Arbor DBT Center to provide competent, effective therapy, and model adherent DBT for individuals and families suffering from Borderline Personality Disorder and other Emotion Dysregulation Disorders.
I strive to continue learning the latest clinical interventions and am very interested in the learning about the integration of mental health counseling with psychedelics or ketamine for adults struggling with PTSD, C-PTSD, major depressive disorders, suicidal ideation, marital problems and anxiety.
