About Sarah Dawson
Focus areas
Abandonment issues
Childhood Trauma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
Depression
Transgender Care
Anxiety
Narcissistic Abuse Recovery
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Adults (25-64)
Individuals
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
EMDR
Attachment-based
Motivational Interviewing
Eclectic
Person-Centered
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightFaith
NonreligiousEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Sarah Dawson
Are you swimming in the pool of shame? Is your healing process stuck? Do you struggle to understand yourself and the world around you? Feeling disconnected, misunderstood, or like you are on the outside looking in? Do you feel unseen or unheard and want a therapist that strives to really see and hear you? Are you looking for a safe, compassionate, and accepting therapy environment to heal? When we feel accepted for who we are and shown compassion, we can do tremendous healing.
Feeling seen & heard is powerful tool in the healing process. Feeling isolated and alone can make healing and coping harder. Having someone you connect with and trust to take this journey with you is an important part of the healing process.
When appropriate, I love using humor, even dark humor, and/or a good swear word in the healing process. Sometimes things or so absurd that all you can do is laugh or the best way to describe something is a choice swear word.
What should a new client know about working with you?
My educational background is in psychology and social work. I started practicing in 2015 in community mental health working with wide variety of concerns. I approach therapy as an interaction between two people, not just one of us talking. I often offer feedback, insights, and sometimes direction.
I have experience working with mood disorders/depression, anxiety, ADHD, gender exploration/transitioning, stress, relationship struggles, attachment concerns, self esteem, divorce, abuse (including sexual), complex trauma, developmental/ relational trauma, & PTSD. I have a special interest in working with trauma, including the trauma caused by a toxic person (aka Narcissistic abuse).
I consider myself an eclectic therapist as I incorporate multiple modalities depending on the client’s needs. This includes, but not limited to: Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and Attachment theory, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered & PolyVagal theory. I am also EMDR trained and Certified in Basic Accelerated Resolution Therapy. I am loving how ART is helping my clients heal.
I am spiritual, but not religious. I often refer to a higher power as "the universe," however I am open and respectful to others religious points of view and welcome them into the therapy environment. I am open and affirming, with experience working with gender non-confirming/transitioning populations.
I firmly hold the belief that often times our mental health struggles are not about "what is wrong with us," but instead about "what happened to us." I strive to help client's find a more compassionate view of themselves while exploring how their experiences impacted them and helping them heal from those experiences. I feel honored when someone shares their healing journey with me and believe the work is a collaborative process.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
At our first session we will complete an intake which is a history gathering session. This will help guide us in treatment approach and treatment needs. Intakes typically take around 60 minutes. After the initial session we will discuss frequency based on your needs and what is being addressed. After the intake, sessions are typically 55 minutes; however this may vary depending on the modality being used. This will be discussed more in depth at the intake.
I offer both in-person and online sessions. Please note that if you are wishing to engage in Telehealth services you must be physically inside the boundaries of Iowa at the time of our session.
Please note that I am not able to accept a new client with less than 48 hours notice as there will be intake paperwork for you to complete and then for me to review prior to the first session. I use my own Electronic Health Record (EHR) that is separate from ZocDoc for intake paperwork. In addition, I am not able to provide crisis or urgent care mental health services with an intake. Therapy, even short-term therapy, is a commitment and not designed for stabilization. If you need immediate help please contact 911, 988 (suicide prevention hotline), or present to your nearest Emergency Room.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
Enter your insurance carrier and plan
choose insurance
In-network insurances
Sarah Dawson, LISW has 200+ in-network plans.
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Office location
Sarah Dawson, LISW also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- University of Iowa, Master's in Social Work
Professional memberships
- National Association of Social Workers
NPI number
1396128492
How soon can I make an appointment with Sarah Dawson?
Generally, Sarah Dawson has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Sarah Dawson's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Sarah Dawson accepting new patients?
Sarah Dawson generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Sarah Dawson's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Sarah Dawson accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Sarah Dawson is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Sarah Dawson online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Sarah Dawson using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Sarah Dawson work with?
Sarah Dawson works with Healing Paths Intuitive Therapy.
Where is Sarah Dawson's office located?
Sarah Dawson has 2 office locations in West Des Moines, view full addresses on Sarah Dawson's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Sarah Dawson?
Sarah Dawson frequently sees patients for Attention-Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Sarah Dawson on their profile.
What languages does Sarah Dawson speak?
Sarah Dawson speaks English.