Dawn Smith

LPC, 4 years of experience
Warm
Authentic
Solution oriented
VirtualAvailable

As a mother of five, wife, and career educator, I have a wide range of experience from which to guide, advise, and assist clients in their personal pursuit of happiness and self-fulfillment. I take an integrative approach with clients as partners in their own care. A strong therapeutic relationship is at the core of my practice, with a healthy dose of cognitive behavioral therapy, a person-centered approach, and mindfulness training. Providing a space of warmth and compassion offers the safety clients need to confidently make changes. I believe that the right fit must be a significant consideration before moving forward with establishing a therapeutic relationship.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

I don't take the decision to begin therapy lightly. In the first session, I establish a safe and supportive space for clients to share their story, state their goals for therapy, and learn about ways I feel I can help them achieve desired outcomes. By addressing clients' understanding and/or concerns for the therapeutic process, I help the client ease into the process and find comfort in moving forward.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

As a career-change psychotherapist with over 20 years in independent school education, I have been serving the needs of children and helping individuals and families trade discord for harmony for decades. The desire to help on a deeper level drew me to the counseling profession. I credit my own personal therapy experience with changing the trajectory of my life. I encourage clients to be brave and boldly take this step toward controlling their destiny.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I have a special affinity for women’s issues, young adults establishing independence, empty nesters, and the challenges in life that disrupt relationships, families, and feelings of success. Women are achieving at rates that can often feel intimidating to the people with whom they work, learn, and love. Effective therapy can heal, help, and support the strength of a woman, and the people in her village. This work is achieved through a variety of settings and formats in hopes that one of them resonates with you.

SpecialtiesTop specialties
Other specialties
I identify as
Serves ages
Licensed in
Accepts
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use CBT to address negative thought processes that contribute to a cycle of negative behavior, emotions, and outcomes. Examining the client's belief system can lead to discoveries about self that lead to positive changes and a more fulfilling life.

Narrative

Clients often discover that they have bought into a negative life story that is impacting the way they think and experience life. Understanding and dismantling that story and rewriting the narrative can be helpful in self-discovery and living into their own values and goals.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

Many clients choose therapy because they need immediate relief and positive change. A future-focused approach means the primary focus in on using current resources, strengths, and desires to achieve goals. This strengths-based approach allows clients to feel positive and encouraged, even when partnered with other approaches used to process past behaviors and events.

, 99 ratings

13 ratings with written reviews

January 12, 2026

Dawn has been really helpful in guiding me through new life challenges. She’s has been very insightful, a good listener, and makes an effort to truly connect so I feel supported and understood. She really cares about you reaching your goals!

Verified client, age 18-24
Review shared after session 5 with Dawn

October 17, 2025

Very solution based and accommodating to my beliefs and asked thought provoking questions.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 2 with Dawn

July 30, 2025

Dawn is not a very open and/or non-judgmental therapist. Her skillset is limited by her personal judgments and maybe even her moral compass. However, therapist are supposed to be neutral and leave personal feelings aside. She could not provide a safe space.

Verified client, age 35-44
Review shared after session 1 with Dawn