Hi, my name is Dawn Parrott and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that has 14 years of experience working with diverse groups of people. I have primarily worked with clients in the community and medical settings who were in need of getting their basic needs met; such as housing, food, income, and medical care. I found that often times my clients were also dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use and trauma. I provided brief counseling to my clients while simultaneously providing intensive case management services. I also have experience in management where I'd provide supervision to other MSW level social workers, Social Work interns and Community Health Outreach workers. My approach both in working with clients and my staff has been to develop a therapeutic relationship built on trust and having positive expectancy (carrying the hope) for my clients and mentees; I have found that when I am hopeful, optimistic and encouraging, my clients have a higher success rate. Currently I am working towards certification to become a Perinatal Mental Health Counselor, in order to work with mothers and fathers who may be experiencing pre/postpartum challenges. I have completed 20 hours of training in order to sit for the exam to be certified in which I am planning to do in the next 3 months.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session together you can expect a warm welcome with gratitude. There are the logistical things that have to be done in the first session which I would explain during your initial visit. A great deal of time will be spent focused on relationship building; that means getting to know you, why you are pursuing counseling, and what you are hoping to achieve. There will also be an opportunity to ask me questions as it relates to my profession as a counselor.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My greatest strength as a provider is my ability to be optimistic and to carry the hope for my clients. It is called Positive Expectancy. While working in a community setting I had a client that had a history of homelessness and often reflected on all that he had in life and all that he lost in life; he thought that he could drink his problems away. Everyone around him had given up on him, even my colleagues. He was passed around from social worker to social worker with the goal of helping him get treatment for his alcohol addiction. I worked with him for a total of 9 months and during that time he took the first step in attending AA meetings. He eventually went into residential treatment, was successful, and from there he went to a Sober Living Environment. There were some ups and downs but he made great strides and I believe it was because he felt that I believed in him. Our meetings together often involved him sharing his experience. I listened and learned that he was a great artist and I encouraged to pick up his pens to draw and gave him an opportunity to share his art with me. I also listened to what "he used to like". He loved to eat certain foods and I encouraged him to treat himself to what he once enjoyed. I listened as he talked about broken relationships that he wanted to mend and gently asked "have you ever thought about calling that person?" He made the call and mended the relationship. I truly believe his success was due to the trust that was built at the very beginning. I also maintain a calm demeanor by nature and I notice that it puts my clients at ease where they feel like they are in a safe space.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I love working with women who maybe struggling with self-esteem issue and who may not have the confidence yet, to tackle their educational or career goals. I also enjoy working with individuals who may feel stuck and have difficulty with decision making. I am best positioned to work with adult clients who maybe experiencing depression, anxiety, substance use and have a history of trauma; however based on my recent training in Perinatal Mental Health my focus will be on supporting moms and dads who are experiencing pre/postpartum challenges.
About Dawn Parrott
Dawn Parrott offers therapy covered by CalViva Health (Medi-Cal), Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal), Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal), Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Health Net (Medi-Cal), Health Plan of San Joaquin - Medi-Cal, L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Orange County Mental Health Plan (Medi-Cal), Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal) and San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal) in California.
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Motivational Interviewing
I have received ongoing training in Motivational Interviewing, and have used it ongoing for the past 13 years while working with clients from all walks of life. Using MI in my practice allows me to identify your stage of change that you are in , as well as gauge ambivalence towards change. Once identified I am able to utilize the techniques that allow me to really hear your experience and highlight your strengths, with the intention of helping you to build confidence. In my work as a therapist I am often reflecting of what you are saying to me to ensure a clear understanding of what you are conveying.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I have received in-service trainings at my places of employment beginning in 2013. While working as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and providing intensive case management services to adults who were homeless or at risk of homelessness; I not only provided case management, but brief counseling to support my client's in focusing on a solution to whatever challenge they were faced with. Providing Solution Focused Brief Treatment looks to the future, and only focuses on the problem at hand. My role is to help you envision what life would be like for you if your were not faced with the challenge that you share with me. Once there is a vision of what life would look like, I will work with you on creating concrete goals to help you find a solution. My role as the therapist providing Solution Focused Brief Interventions requires that I have positive expectancy for you; carrying hope for you, and encouraging you, as you embark on the goals that you set for yourself.
Psychoeducation
I have spent 14 years working as a Social Worker with diverse populations. While working with the Homeless population in Alameda County in a medical setting I provided a lot of psycho-education around mental health diagnoses and substance use disorders, both in a group setting and in individual counseling. Completing an assessment is the first step that is taken in order to know what education is needed; this allows me to have a better understanding of what you are experiencing, and allows us to name what you are experiencing. Once we name it, we can focus on that particular symptom, problem or diagnosis and work towards finding a solution. I have a lot of experience in working with clients who have symptoms of depression and anxiety and with clients who use substances as a way of coping. If this is something that you experience, I will provide education on how your substance of choice impacts your overall health; along with education that is provided, I will also provide you with reading material, research and links to websites where you can continue to expand your knowledge on the topic that we are exploring.