Dawn Whitman (she/her)

I have specialized training and experience working with individuals with body image issues, eating disorder behavior and body dysmorphia.

I have specialized training working with the teen and adult transgender and gender non-conforming population.

I have specialized training in the field of Health Psychology, which covers issues of infertility and fertility, abortion and pregnancy loss.

I offer Heart Rate Variability (HRV) biofeedback using HeartMath technology, which is an innovative approach to improving emotional wellbeing. With HeartMath tools, you learn to change your heart rhythm pattern to create physiological coherence; a scientifically measurable state characterized by increased order and harmony in our mind, emotions and body.

I incorporate mindfulness based self-compassion, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Interpersonal Neurobiology into my practice. I have my own personal mindfulness practice that helps me be more effective guiding my clients on their journey.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a unique and creative model to therapy. The aim of ACT is to accept what is out of your personal control and commit to action that improves and enriches your life. With ACT you will, develop skills to deal more effectively with difficult thoughts and feelings, clarify your values and to use these values to guide/inspire/motivate yourself to take action and focus your attention on what is important and engage fully in whatever you are doing.

Relational therapy is a therapy model influenced by psychodynamic therapy. Central, is the idea that we are shaped by our social world and relationships, and that having good relationships is essential for our wellbeing and self-esteem. In therapy, a focus is to explore how past experiences shape you and your patterns of relating to others. An aim, is to help develop new and more helpful ways of interacting in the present which in turn, improves our relationships and connections with others.

Women can experience a number of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and trauma-related disorders. Women are at greater risk for certain mental health conditions. Unique to women are issues such as premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), prenatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, grief related infant loss, fertility & infertility mental health issues, and menopause.

Feeling sad is a healthy, normal part of life. For some people sadness comes out of nowhere, triggered by something as simple as a song that comes on the radio. It ebbs and flows. But for others, feelings of sadness won’t go away and the origin of the sadness is hard to discern. It is not something they can “snap out of” or control. It causes feelings and thoughts that won’t go away. Many lose interest in normal daily activities, lack energy, and have trouble concentrating.

Most people experience situational anxiety that is triggered by common things such as starting a new job, coming upon an unexpected expense, or having health concerns. However, for many people, feelings of frequent and excessive anxiety, fear, terror, or panic are part of everyday situations and affect the quality of life. In fact, anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health illnesses in the United States and affected more than 40 million adults in the last year.