Meet Dawn: Compassionate Associate Marriage and Family Therapist in Los Angeles

📷by Andrew Thiels
Welcome, I’m Dawn!
Thank you for visiting. Choosing the right therapist is a deeply personal decision, and I want to share who I am and how I work so you can feel confident taking the next step.
As a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a background in the creative arts, I bring a unique perspective to therapy. Before becoming a therapist, I spent years in theatre, where I developed a deep understanding of storytelling, connection, and human emotion. These experiences shaped my ability to listen, empathize, and help clients explore their narratives in a supportive, non-judgmental space.
My Therapeutic Approach
I use evidence-based and innovative approaches to create a personalized experience for each client, including:
Internal Family Systems (IFS): Discover how every part of you--your inner critics, protectors, and wounded selves--can work together to bring healing and balance.
Attachment-Based Therapy: We'll explore how bonds you've formed in your life impact your emotions and relationships, guiding you toward deeper connection and trust.
Strength-Based Therapy: Together, we'll focus on your strengths and the solutions within you, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Family Systems Therapy: Let's untangle the dynamics in your family, creating a path to understanding and harmony for everyone involved.
Narrative Therapy: Rewrite the story of your life, finding meaning and power in the narrative you choose to tell.
Community Resilience Model (CRM): Learn practical tools to build resilience and stay grounded, no matter the challenges you face.
Non-Violent Communication: Connect with yourself and others through empathy and understanding, transforming conflict into collaboration.
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Together, we’ll find what works best, moving at a pace that feels safe and supportive.
My Specialties
I support individuals and families, specializing in:
LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapy: A safe space for exploring identity and unique challenges.
Creative Professionals: Navigating the pressures of artistic careers.
Teen Therapy: Addressing anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, and identity.
Parenting and Family Dynamics: Strengthening relationships and understanding.
Foster & Adoption Therapy: Exploring unique dynamics in adoption and foster experiences.
Anxiety and Stress Management: Practical strategies to balance life’s pressures.
Trauma and Resilience: Healing from trauma and building a growth foundation.
My Educational Background and Training
Degrees:
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – Antioch University, Los Angeles, CA
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Specialization: Applied Community Psychology (ACP)
Bachelor of Arts in Theatre – University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
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Professional Training:
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Community Resiliency Model (CRM) – Southern California Counseling Center
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Gangs, A Therapeutic Education (GATE) – Southern California Counseling Center
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) – Medical University of South Carolina

What to Expect
Therapy with me is collaborative. You set the pace, and we explore what matters most to you. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, or a personal journey, I’m here to support you. I aim to create a space where you feel valued and supported from the very first session.
A Bit About Me
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, playing with my dog, training for the Mud Run, seeing live theater, and creating art. Completing the Mud Run taught me to embrace challenges and find joy in the process—an approach I bring to therapy. These activities keep me grounded and inspire the creativity and joy I share with my clients.
