Dawn Nance

My journey in mental health began in Washington State, where I earned my B.A. in Psychology from Western Washington University and my M.Ed. from the University of Washington in Seattle. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including substance use, trauma and childhood trauma/abuse, domestic violence, eating disorders, relationship concerns, self-esteem, anxiety, and depression.

These experiences have shaped my belief that each person’s story is unique and deserves to be understood with compassion, curiosity, and without judgment. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where clients can feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes.

I have trained in a variety of therapeutic approaches, allowing me to tailor treatment to each client’s individual needs and goals. My areas of specialty include somatic and Gestalt approaches, person-centered therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS).

My approach is collaborative and individualized. Together, we will explore the experiences, patterns, and beliefs that may be affecting your life while developing practical tools and strategies to support healing and growth. Whether you are navigating trauma, anxiety, relationship challenges, self-esteem concerns, or another life transition, my goal is to meet you where you are and support you in moving toward greater understanding, resilience, and well-being.

Beginning therapy can feel uncertain. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe, supported, and genuinely heard. I take a client-centered, collaborative approach, working with you to identify your goals and develop a path forward that feels right for you.

I work with adults and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, narcissistic abuse, and life transitions. Together, we can build effective coping skills, gain clarity, strengthen self-understanding, and work toward meaningful change.

My approach is grounded in a person-centered perspective and informed by evidence-based modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gestalt therapy, mindfulness, and somatic approaches. I tailor treatment to your individual needs, experiences, and goals rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach.

My communication style is warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental. I value open and honest communication and strive to create an environment where you can feel comfortable being yourself. While empathy and acceptance are at the heart of my work, I also believe growth sometimes requires gentle challenge, and I will support you with honesty and care.

My path to mental healthcare began with volunteering at a domestic violence shelter, where I discovered my passion for supporting others through meaningful change. I later worked with adults who had experienced childhood trauma, which deeply shaped my perspective and commitment to trauma-informed care.

I view therapy as a journey we take together. You set the destination, and I serve as a guide, bringing knowledge, tools, and therapeutic interventions to support you along the way. In our first session, we'll discuss what brings you to therapy, your goals, what to expect, confidentiality, and begin developing a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin building a comfortable, trusting therapeutic relationship. We’ll spend time discussing what brings you to therapy, your goals, and what you hope to gain from our work together. We’ll also review the boundaries, expectations, and limitations of our therapeutic relationship so you have a clear understanding of what to expect.

It is important to me that you know you are always in the driver’s seat. Therapy is a collaborative process, and you have a voice in the pace, direction, and goals of our work together. My role is to provide guidance, support, and therapeutic tools while honoring your individual experiences and choices.

As we begin this journey, we’ll work together to navigate the challenges ahead, identify what may be getting in the way, and build a path toward the changes you want to make. My hope is that you leave our first session feeling heard, respected, and supported.