About Dr. Steven Dawson
Clientele seen
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Families
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Groups
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Attachment-based
Compassion Focused
Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors
Culturally Sensitive
Identity
Gender
MaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Dr. Steven Dawson
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Daemen University, and the Co-Founder and Clinical Supervisor of Move Me Brightly, a group psychotherapy practice. My clinical experience includes working with individuals experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, relationship difficulties, and co-occurring mental health concerns.
My therapeutic approach is relational, trauma-informed, and collaborative. I integrate evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and trauma-focused interventions. I also draw from attachment theory, psychodynamic approaches, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to explore how past experiences influence present challenges.
I recognize that beginning therapy can feel overwhelming. My goal is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable exploring difficult experiences at your own pace. I believe therapy should be tailored to your unique needs, values, identity, and goals rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.
Whether you are navigating a difficult transition, processing trauma, struggling with relationships, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, I believe our work together should help you develop greater insight, resilience, and confidence in your ability to move forward.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Beginning therapy is a deeply personal experience, and I believe the relationship between therapist and client is one of the most important elements of meaningful change. My goal is to create a welcoming, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and understood.
When we first meet, I want to understand you as a whole person, not simply the symptoms or challenges that brought you to therapy. We will explore your experiences, relationships, strengths, and goals while developing a shared understanding of what you hope to gain from our work together. There is no expectation that you arrive knowing exactly what to say or where to begin. We will figure that out together.
My approach is collaborative, relational, and trauma-informed. I believe that behaviors and emotional responses often develop for understandable reasons, even when they no longer serve us. Rather than focusing solely on changing symptoms, we will work to understand the experiences and patterns underlying them while developing practical tools to help you navigate your daily life.
I am an active and engaged therapist. I will listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, offer honest feedback, and gently challenge you when appropriate. Depending on your needs, our sessions may involve exploring past experiences, identifying patterns in relationships, developing coping strategies, or practicing new ways of responding to difficult emotions.
I also recognize that therapy is not always easy. Some sessions may feel empowering, while others may bring up difficult emotions. We will move at a pace that feels manageable, and your voice will always be central to decisions about your care.
Above all, I want you to know that therapy is something we do together. You bring expertise about your own life, and I bring clinical knowledge, experience, and a commitment to helping you discover what meaningful change looks like for you.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Our first sessions will focus on getting to know you, building a trusting therapeutic relationship, and developing a thorough understanding of your experiences, strengths, challenges, and goals. I believe that effective therapy begins with a strong relationship, and I want you to feel comfortable, respected, and actively involved in every step of the process.
We will begin with a comprehensive assessment that explores your personal history, relationships, family dynamics, physical and emotional health, significant life experiences, and current concerns. This is more than simply gathering information. It is an opportunity for us to work together to understand how your experiences have shaped you, identify patterns that may be contributing to your current difficulties, and recognize the strengths and resources you already possess.
I view assessment as an ongoing, collaborative process rather than something that happens only during our first meeting. Together, we will develop a shared understanding of your needs and establish meaningful, achievable goals. You will be actively involved in every decision, from identifying what we focus on to selecting therapeutic approaches and evaluating your progress.
As our work continues, sessions may involve exploring emotions, processing past experiences, examining relationship patterns, developing coping strategies, or practicing new skills. I take an active, relational approach, offering thoughtful questions, clinical insight, honest feedback, and practical tools tailored to your individual needs.
Throughout our work, we will regularly revisit your goals, discuss what is helping, and adjust our approach as needed. I encourage open communication about your experience of therapy, including what feels useful and what might need to change.
My goal is for every session to feel like a partnership in which you are heard, supported, appropriately challenged, and empowered to create meaningful change. You are the expert on your own l
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Emblem Health
Medicare
UnitedHealthcare
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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
Dr. Steven Dawson, DSW also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
- Move Me Brightly
Education and training
- University of Pennsylvania, Doctor of Social Work
- New York University, Master's in Social Work
NPI number
1750705604
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Steven Dawson?
Generally, Dr. Steven Dawson has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Dawson's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Steven Dawson accepting new patients?
Dr. Steven Dawson generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Dawson's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Steven Dawson accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Dawson is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Steven Dawson online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Dawson using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Steven Dawson work with?
Dr. Steven Dawson works with Move Me Brightly.
Where is Dr. Steven Dawson's office located?
Dr. Steven Dawson has 2 office locations, including in Smyrna and Williamsville, view full addresses on Dr. Dawson's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Steven Dawson?
Dr. Steven Dawson frequently sees patients for New Patient Visit, Pain Management Consultation, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Steven Dawson on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Steven Dawson speak?
Dr. Steven Dawson speaks English.