Catherina Lawson-Dunlap

Catherina Lawson-Dunlap, LPC, R-DMT, is a seasoned Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Dance/Movement Therapist dedicated to facilitating healing and personal growth through the transformative power of movement and therapy. With over a decade of experience in various settings including schools, community agencies, and outpatient facilities, Catherina brings a wealth of expertise to her practice.

Catherina specializes in providing therapeutic support to children, adolescents, individual adults, and families, utilizing an integrative approach that draws from multiple theoretical perspectives. Grounded in a wrap-around treatment model and person-centered care, her practice considers environmental influences on social, cultural, and generational levels.

In her compassionate work with individuals and families, Catherina focuses on identifying patterns of interaction and underlying emotions and thoughts that drive behaviors. Through constructive exploration, clients learn to effectively express their feelings, leading to improved interpersonal relationships and overall well-being.

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in Dance, Texas Woman's University, 2010

Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Expressive Therapies with a Specialization in Dance Movement Therapy, Lesley University, Class of 2018

Licenses and Certifications:

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC#82628)

Registered Dance Movement Therapist (R-DMT#2467)

Professional Affiliations:

Member of the American Dance Therapy Association (ADTA)

Specialties:

Children/Teens

Parent/Child Conflict

Autism, ADHD, and other Developmental and Learning Disabilities

LGBTQ+

Anxiety and Depression

Self-Harm and Suicide Prevention

Domestic Violence/Relationship Abuse

My work is informed by a solution-focused and trauma-informed lens, integrating techniques such as behavioral analysis and modification alongside insights from early childhood and human development. My therapeutic toolkit includes expressive arts and dance/movement therapy, empowering clients to uncover underlying issues and gain deeper self-awareness for sustainable change.

I am committed to empowering my clients to navigate life's challenges, develop resilience, and cultivate fulfilling relationships through the transformative journey of movement and therapy.

During our first session, I like to check in on how you are feeling about coming to therapy and review any previous mental health treatment or experiences. We will review the primary concerns listed in your intake paperwork; review our practice policy and procedures; discuss therapeutic expectations, confidentiality and safety protocols, and leave time to go over scheduling therapy sessions before ending our first session.