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Therapy Services in Los Angeles | LGBTQ+, Teen, Trauma, and Foster Adoption Counseling

As a therapist deeply rooted in the vibrant and diverse city of Los Angeles, I offer a sanctuary where you can explore your inner world and heal from life’s challenges. My practice is built on a foundation of empathy, cultural sensitivity, and a strong commitment to helping you discover your authentic self.

Dawn Holiski Therapy

📷by Andrew Thiels

My Journey as a Therapist: From Theatre to Therapy

My path to becoming a therapist was anything but conventional. With a background in art, circus, and theatre, I’ve spent years understanding the human condition through storytelling and artistic expression. This unique perspective allows me to connect deeply with my clients, guiding them through their own stories of transformation and growth.

My Unique Path to Therapy

Before becoming a therapist, I was immersed in the world of theatre, where I honed my skills in understanding emotions, narratives, and the complexities of human relationships. These experiences now inform my therapeutic approach, allowing me to offer a space where creativity and healing intersect.

My Educational Background and Training

I hold a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles, specializing in Applied Community Psychology. My academic journey, coupled with extensive training in trauma-focused therapy, group counseling, and community resilience, equips me to support you through a wide range of challenges.

My Offering as a Los Angeles Therapist

In my practice, I specialize in working with people within the entertainment industry, foster/adoptive families, LGBTQIA+ individuals, teens, and those navigating parenting challenges. My approach is strength-based and trauma-informed, ensuring that each session is tailored to your unique needs and life experiences.

My Specialties and Areas of Expertise

My expertise spans trauma therapy, group facilitation, and supporting individuals within the entertainment industry, foster/adoptive families, and teens as they navigate complex emotional landscapes. I am deeply committed to empowering marginalized communities and promoting mental well-being through an inclusive, client-centered approach. I also offer specialized support for those dealing with intimate partner violence within the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as those struggling with parenting challenges, particularly in families where children move beyond the binary.

My Approach to Therapy

I believe that therapy is a collaborative journey where we work together to uncover the strengths you already possess. My role is to provide the tools and support you need to navigate life’s challenges, always with an emphasis on your resilience and resourcefulness. My approach is integrative, drawing from various therapeutic modalities to best meet your unique needs.

Guided by a cultural and social justice lens, I focus on promoting resilience and strength in the areas you already excel. I incorporate affirmative techniques such as Internal Family Systems, Attachment-Based Therapy, Strength-Based/Solution-Focused Therapy, Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, the Community Resilience Model, and Non-Violent Communication into our sessions. These diverse methods allow me to tailor our work together, ensuring that you receive the most effective support on your path to healing and growth.

My Therapeutic Approach: Strength-Based, Trauma-Informed Therapy

Therapy is a collaborative journey. Together, we work to uncover the strengths you already possess. My role is to provide the tools and support you need to navigate life’s challenges. I integrate various therapeutic modalities, including:

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  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • Attachment-Based Therapy

  • Strength-Based/Solution-Focused Therapy

  • Family Systems Therapy

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Community Resilience Model

  • Non-Violent Communication

 

These diverse methods ensure you receive the most effective, personalized support on your path to healing.

Why Choose My Therapy Services in Los Angeles?

Choosing the right therapist is a deeply personal decision. My practice offers a unique blend of life experiences, professional training, and a genuine commitment to your lasting change. Whether you're struggling with past trauma or looking to enhance your well-being, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Many of my clients have found not just relief but a renewed sense of purpose and connection through our work together.

How My Experience in Art and Theatre Enhances Therapy

Art, circus, and theatre have always been more than just passions for me—they are integral to how I connect with the world. In therapy, I draw on these experiences to foster creativity, self-expression, and emotional healing, helping you explore new ways of understanding yourself and your journey. This approach is particularly effective for clients in the entertainment industry or those seeking non-traditional methods of self-exploration.

Education and Training

  • Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University - Los Angeles, CA

  • Specialization: Applied Community Psychology (ACP)​

  • Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre from the University of New Mexico - Albuquerque, NM

  • Community Resiliency Model (CRM), Southern California Counseling Center

  • Gangs, A Therapeutic Education (GATE), Southern California Counseling Center

  • TF-CBT Training, Medical University of South Carolina

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Ready to start your healing journey? Book a free consultation today for personalized support with trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, and family challenges. Let’s work together toward lasting change.

DAWN HOLISKI, M.A., AMFT

Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist

AMFT #144072

Employed and supervised by Oliver Drakeford, LMFT, CGP - Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, #104987

Dawn Holiski - Therapist

📷by Andrew Thiels

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