Dawn Holtan (she/they)

I have supported many polyamorous and ethically monogamous clients with relationship issues and with individual needs. I have seen firsthand that it is a huge relief for my clients to be able to dig into the work they want to do without having to explain or justify their relationships. I have always aligned with polyamorous values in my personal life, so I've sought out opportunities for training and community with like-minded therapists. I continue to learn and grow to meet my clients' needs.

I believe that there are many ways to heal and integrate after trauma. I focus on supporting my clients by creating a healthy, safe therapeutic relationship so that we can build skills and self-awareness. When they are ready, I help my clients face what has happened on their own terms so that they can process their experiences. I often use mindfulness, somatic awareness, narrative, and written exposure therapy to support my clients.

Grieving and loss are natural human processes, but our busy world often doesn't allow us the space and support that we need to move through the liminal space and into the next phase of our life. When everything cracks open, we are faced with the challenge of redefining who we are, and how we want to be in this world. I support my clients in discovering their own path through grief and loss.

The core of my training is in being able to integrated different modalities in order to customize treatment. I do this openly and intentionally. I work collaboratively with my client to identify their needs so that I can help them with a therapeutic approach that will work for their individual situation. I see my clients as the experts on their lives, and I bring my expertise to meet them where they are, with tools that they will be able to use in their daily life.

As a lifelong mindfulness practitioner, when I was introduced to DBT I immediately appreciated the practical nature of helping clients slow down and connect to the present moment in order to improve their ability to find balance in their emotions, tolerate stress, and improve their relationships with others. I see DBT skills as infinitely useful, and I help my clients figure out for themselves when and how to apply them in their lives.

Recognizing how our thinking and our habits impact our mood can be incredibly valuable. For some clients, rigorous attention to these details can unlock the ability to generate real potential for change and growth. I offer CBT to clients who will benefit from getting to work on noticing and changing the thoughts and behaviors that keep them spinning their wheels so that they can finally get real traction and start to make lasting changes.