Dawn Blankenship

I've been a social worker for more than 30 years and enjoy the opportunity to support individuals and improve systems. I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota, a Bachelors of Science Degree from MN State University of Mankato and an Associates Degree in American Sign Language from St. Pault Technical College.

My day job is as a school social worker in an elementary school. I've worked extensively with Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth as well as refugees and immigrants.

I love to travel, learn about other cultures and study languages. I am a passionate advocate for social justice. I am a mother to a teenager and a tween. My personal experience with parenting a child with ADHD has led to an interest in specializing in this with children, families and adults.

Therapy can be a powerful way to heal and grow. To feel heard and understood can be transformational and these are key to my personal approach in working with patients. I bring an open-mind, levity and a focus on supporting patients wherever they are at on their journey. I see my role as a guide to help patients achieve better functioning and reach their goals. I use mindfulness strategies, cognitive behavioral strategies and goal-setting to help patients improve.

As a therapist, I want patients to feel understood and safe. It's important to me that clients feel comfortable with me and my approach so they can be open and share. I am a fairly direct person and I like to infuse humor where appropriate. My priority is to help clients reach their goals.