Dawn Leatherman -Kulis

LCPC, 8 years of experience

Frequently rebooked

Open-minded
Solution oriented
Empowering
Virtual
Next available on

About me

I provide a collaborative and supportive space for individuals and couples navigating relationship challenges, interpersonal difficulties, marriage conflicts, stress, depression, and anxiety. My goal is to ensure that every client feels heard, validated, and—when appropriate—gently challenged in a safe and respectful environment. Together, we’ll explore your strengths and uncover the internal resources that can help you find peace amid life’s challenges. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected, therapy can be a powerful tool for rediscovering joy and regaining control. Couples Therapy My work with couples focuses on: Increasing relationship satisfaction Identifying personal needs and learning to express them effectively Enhancing communication and emotional connection By fostering positive interactions and shared goals, couples often find renewed commonality and deeper intimacy. Individual Therapy I support individuals facing: Relationship issues Life transitions and stressors Caregiving challenges Grief and end-of-life concerns I have extensive experience working with the geriatric population and understand the unique pressures faced by adults caring for aging parents. My Training I am a Certified Family Trauma Professional and an EMDR-trained clinician, with specialized training in marriage, family, and trauma therapy. I bring a trauma-informed lens to all my work, ensuring that clients feel safe and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.

Get to know me

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

In our first session, we’ll take time to explore your goals and identify the path that feels right for you. Whether you're seeking healing, clarity, or personal growth, I’m here to support you every step of the way as you begin your journey toward a more fulfilling life.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

I work from a family systems and trauma-informed care perspective, recognizing that healing often involves understanding the broader relational and emotional context of each person’s life. I integrate EMDR when appropriate to support trauma processing, and I draw on Gottman Couples communication techniques to help partners build stronger, more connected relationships. My background in human resources and operations also allows me to offer practical career guidance, especially during life transitions where personal and professional growth intersect. Whether we’re exploring patterns, navigating change, or building new skills, I bring a grounded, compassionate, and collaborative presence to our work together.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

I specialize in working with adults aged 25 and older who are ready to engage in therapy with openness, honesty, and a desire for meaningful change. My ideal clients are navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, or life transitions and are seeking a therapist who is direct, supportive, and actively engaged in the process. If you're looking for someone who will challenge you with compassion, help you gain clarity, and walk alongside you as you build a better and brighter future — you're in the right place.

Specialties

Top specialties

Other specialties

I identify as

Serves ages

My treatment methods

EMDR

I utilize Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a structured and evidence-based approach to help individuals heal from both single-event and complex trauma. My work begins with building a strong therapeutic relationship, creating a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered and understood. Together, we develop a treatment plan tailored to each person’s needs, beginning with grounding and stabilization skills that foster emotional regulation and resilience. Once a foundation of safety is established, EMDR incorporates bilateral stimulation—through eye movements, tapping, or auditory tones—to gently reprocess traumatic memories. This process allows the brain to integrate distressing experiences in a healthier way, reducing their emotional intensity and helping clients shift from negative beliefs toward more adaptive, empowering perspectives. My goal is to guide clients through this journey with compassion and collaboration, supporting them as they move toward greater healing and wholeness.

Gottman method

I help individuals, couples and families strengthen communication, resolve conflict, and deepen connection using the Gottman Method. Backed by decades of research, this approach provides practical tools to move through challenges with empathy and build lasting trust, intimacy, and growth together. Specific Techniques to focus on- Communication Skills Training: Learn how to express needs clearly, listen with empathy, and resolve disagreements constructively. Conflict Transformation: Move beyond recurring arguments by identifying destructive patterns and replacing them with positive interactions. Relationship Growth: Strengthen trust, intimacy, and shared meaning to foster long-term connection. Family Impact: Support not only couples but also families by modeling healthy communication and emotional regulation.

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into my practice as a structured, evidence‑based approach to support clients in achieving meaningful change. My work focuses on helping individuals recognize and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that may be limiting their personal growth or well‑being. By fostering self‑awareness, I guide clients in developing practical, goal‑oriented strategies that empower them to reframe their thinking, build healthier coping mechanisms, and cultivate lasting behavioral change. Through collaborative sessions, I emphasize the importance of setting clear, achievable goals and tracking progress over time. This process not only enhances accountability but also reinforces the client’s sense of agency in their own healing journey. I strive to create a supportive environment where clients feel encouraged to explore their thoughts, experiment with new perspectives, and practice skills that promote resilience and emotional balance. My integration of CBT is not limited to symptom management; it is designed to help clients build long‑term tools for navigating life’s challenges. Whether addressing anxiety, depression, stress, or everyday obstacles, I work alongside clients to strengthen their ability to identify unhelpful patterns, replace them with constructive alternatives, and move toward a more fulfilling and balanced life.

Location

Virtual

Licensed in

, 33 ratings

3 ratings with written reviews

July 31, 2025

She has been great so far. I really like her and will continue working with her.

Verified client, age 35-44

Review shared after session 1 with Dawn

July 11, 2025

I appreciated being able to share my story while she listened, and I felt empowered because she validated my emotions and physical responses to the situations I was experiencing.

Verified client, age 45-54

Review shared after session 1 with Dawn

June 30, 2025

She wasn't just hearing but listening to what I need to say and understand what is happening with the client. Felt really good after the therapy.

Verified client, age 18-24

Review shared after session 1 with Dawn