The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.”
-Carl Jung
Specialties/Populations
By using a person-centered, dialectical-behavioral therapy approach, Dawn is able to connect clients to the present moment and facilitate an environment of awareness. She works with clients to address identity, self-esteem, race–based stress, grief, and other relevant struggles. Dawn practices on the framework of multiculturalism and intersectionality and understands that the human experience is largely based on society and relational work.
Dawn has experience working with adolescents, young adults, and adults addressing issues related to family dynamics, self-esteem, attachment, and race-based stress. Dawn pulls from cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and existential therapy to allow clients to navigate their identity, live authentically, and lead a life they deserve.
She can support clients in DC and VA.
Trainings/Modalities/Certifications
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Strength-Based Therapy
- Mindfulness Practices
- Existential therapy
- Trauma-Informed Approach
- Brainspotting
Previous Clinical Experience
Prior to joining The Viva Center, Dawn worked at the Community Counseling and Research Center at the University of Central Florida, where she provided therapy to adults and adolescents navigating life with anxiety, depression, and trauma.
Other Skills and Experiences
Dawn worked at a crisis stabilization unit with both adults and adolescents in inpatient care. She also has experience working with and advocating for the mental healthcare of forensic populations.
Education
Dawn received her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of South Florida.
To learn more about working with this clinician, please email marygrace@vivapartnership.com for more information.
First Meeting Documents
In preparation for the first visit, you will be asked to fill out the following forms:
Informed Consent
Each of our Clinical Associates is a licensed practitioner. As required by licensure, treatment under a licensed practitioner is confidential. This form explains limitations to that confidentiality required by licensure. It also outlines the collaborative nature of the therapeutic relationship and co-responsibility for treatment outcomes.
Financial Agreement
This form outlines The Viva Center’s financial policies. Here at Viva, we offer special accommodations to assist with cash flow and to simplify payments. As a professional courtesy, clients opting to pay with a credit card are not billed until the end of the month, although fees are technically due at the time of service. This allows time for insurance to send reimbursement closer to the time of payment.
Client Questionnaire
This form serves 2 purposes: It helps to capture the baseline experience when beginning treatment, allowing for an opportunity to take stock of current status. It also helps the clinician gather important background information without taking extra time in the first session. The first page of this form is required, and the others are supplemental. It is fine to exercise the decision to leave out any areas of the form. Please keep in mind any areas elected not to be disclosed at this time may be relevant to treatment outcomes.
Credit Card Authorization Form
This form is only required if electing to use a credit card to pay for services. Conveniently, this form only needs to be filled out once and is stored securely. Payment with cash or checks is also accepted.
