Dawn Witherspoon
Hi, I’m Dawn Witherspoon, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating grief, trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and down-to-earth, blending compassion, practical tools, and even humor when appropriate. I strive to create a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to move toward healing and growth.
First session
During our first session, my goal is to help you feel comfortable and begin building trust. We’ll talk about what brought you to therapy, the challenges you’re facing, and what you hope to gain from our work together. There is no pressure to share everything at once—we move at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you. This session is also an opportunity for us to determine whether we are a good fit.
Strengths
I bring warmth, empathy, authenticity, and strong clinical experience to each session. Clients often appreciate that I balance emotional support with practical strategies they can use in everyday life. I am direct when needed, compassionate always, and committed to creating a space where clients feel both supported and challenged toward meaningful growth.
Ideal clients
I work best with teens, adults, couples, and families who may feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, stuck or unsure how to move forward. Many of my clients are navigating grief and loss, anxiety, trauma, relationship conflict, caregiver stress, or major life transitions. I especially connect with people who are used to being the "strong one" for others and struggle to prioritize their own needs. I provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients can feel safe, understood, and empowered to heal and grow.
Treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I primarily use a person-centered approach, creating a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel genuinely heard and understood. I believe each client is the expert on their own life, and I work collaboratively to support growth, healing, and meaningful change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns and better understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another. Together, we develop practical tools to challenge negative thinking and build healthier coping strategies.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
I use solution-focused techniques to help clients identify strengths, recognize what is already working, and build on existing successes. This approach helps clients create realistic, achievable steps toward change.
Trauma Informed Care
I approach therapy through a trauma-informed lens by recognizing how past experiences can impact present emotions, relationships, and coping. I prioritize emotional safety, trust, and empowerment while helping clients process difficult experiences at a pace that feels manageable.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I incorporate mindfulness and grounding strategies to help clients increase self-awareness, stay present, and better regulate emotions. These tools can be especially helpful for anxiety, stress, and feeling emotionally overwhelmed.
Location
Virtual sessions
In-person sessions1931 NW 150th Ave, Pembroke Pines, FL 33028