About Dawn, MSW, LCSWA
I help people build a life they don’t need a vacation from
I’m a Chapel Hill-based therapist who specializes in ADHD, anxiety, stress, and career transitions.
Why “Be/come”?
“Maybe the journey isn’t about becoming anything.
“Maybe it’s about unbecoming everything that isn’t really you, so that you can be who you were meant to be in the first place.”
-Paulo Coelho
The Be/come mission: I am dedicated to helping people reconnect with themselves by dismantling the societal pressures that contribute to stress, burnout, and anxiety. My mission is to create a therapeutic space where clients can embrace rest, reject hustle culture, and experience deep, sustainable healing. I strive to honor the lived experiences of each person, centering social justice, decolonization, anti-racist, and feminist principles in my approach. Through intentional, relationship-centered work, I guide clients toward living a life that is both fulfilling and aligned with their true purpose.
My vision: I envision a world where everyone is liberated from the relentless pressures of productivity and grind culture. In this world, success is defined not by how much one achieves but by how authentically one lives in alignment with their values and well-being. Be/come is a catalyst for this transformation, fostering a community where rest, equity, and wholeness are prioritized. I seek to co-create a future where every person feels they are enough exactly as they are—free from the oppressive systems that devalue their humanity, and deeply connected to their sense of purpose and to one another..
How I work
Therapy with me is safe, supportive, and solutions-oriented.
I believe that real healing happens when you feel seen, heard, and understood—so I create a space where you can bring your whole self, without judgment.
Informed by a deep passion for the world and the people in it, I gently challenge my clients to explore and dismantle the habits and beliefs that keep them stuck, while honoring the important role those patterns played in keeping them safe when they needed them. My approach is direct but compassionate, helping you untangle what's no longer serving you, so you can make room for the life you want to live.
Together, we create a vision and plan for the future you want and work to bring that life into the present moment. I deeply believe in your ability to grow through what you go through. But healing doesn’t have to be all seriousness! I will encourage you to find joy in the process, celebrate your progress, and enjoy your life even while doing the hard work of transformation. This is about creating a life that feels meaningful and aligned with who you are—not just checking off boxes on a to-do list.
We are a good fit if you’re looking for —
A warm, direct conversational style
A trusted guide, someone to brainstorm with who respects your autonomy
A science-backed, evidence-based, holistic, and biopsychosocial approach
Someone who can hold space for and move through uncomfortable emotions without getting stuck
Someone who recognizes we are spiritual beings having an embodied experience and that creating meaning and purpose is essential to creating a good life/ career.
We are not a good fit if —
You’re thinking of harming yourself or others.
You’d like support changing your relationship with alcohol or other substances.
You’re not ready to take action and make supported shifts in your life.
Therapy with me is —
-
Therapy with me is about creating real change that fits your life. You’ll leave each session with actionable steps that work for your unique situation. We won’t waste time on vague concepts—we’ll focus on practical strategies that are tailored to your specific challenges and goals, whether you’re dealing with ADHD, work stress, burnout, or anxiety.
-
You won’t be in therapy forever. This is about equipping you with the tools you need to live the life you want—on your own terms. I believe therapy should empower you to take control of your journey, and the skills you develop will continue to support you long after our work together ends.
-
Our work is a partnership. You set the direction, and I help you get there. I respect your autonomy and trust that you know yourself best. My role is to offer the tools, insight, and support to help you achieve the life you envision. You’ll be gently challenged and fully supported as we dismantle the patterns holding you back and create a plan that works for you.
-
Your privacy and comfort matter. You can trust that everything we discuss remains confidential, and I prioritize creating an environment where you feel safe to share openly. Therapy with me is your space to process in a way that feels secure and supported.
specializing in:
01.
Anxiety
02.
ADHD
03.
Stress & Burnout
-
Masters in Social Work | UNC Chapel Hill
Masters in Peace & Conflict Studies | UNC Greensboro
Masters of Arts in Teaching | NC State University
BA in Psychology & Biology | UNC Chapel Hill
-
When we work together, we can decide the best approach to help us get you closer to your goals and objectives.
Some of my favorites are:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Motivational Interviewing
Solutions-Focused Brief Treatment
Positive Psychology
Appreciative Inquiry
-
Hypnosis for Trauma & PTSD Certificate | PESI
Polyvagal Theory for Embodied Trauma Recovery | PESI
Adult ADHD: Targeting Executive Skills to Manage ADHD in Adults | PESI
Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Treating Trauma Master Series | The National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine (NICABM)
How to Work with Shame | NICABM
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction | Palouse Mindfulness
Thetahealing Instructor
Reiki Master Teacher
-
Supervised by Megan Englebretson, LCSW
NC/ C009008