Sarah Dawson (she/her)

LMSW, LISW
Accepting Clients

I am an open & affirming neuro-spicy (ADHD) therapist. I love working with trauma & I am certified in basic Accelerated Resolution Therapy.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in West Des Moines, IA

Free Initial Consultation
Request consultation

Free 15-minute call, no obligation.

Services

About My Clients

Are you swimming in the pool of shame? Is your healing process stuck? Do you struggle to understand yourself and the world around you? Feeling disconnected, misunderstood, or like you are on the outside looking in? Do you feel unseen or unheard and want a therapist that strives to really see and hear you? Are you looking for a safe, compassionate, and accepting therapy environment to heal? When we feel accepted for who we are and shown compassion, we can do tremendous healing.

My Background and Approach

My educational background is in psychology and social work. I started practicing in 2015 in community mental health working with wide variety of concerns. I approach therapy as an interaction between two people, not just one of us talking. I often offer feedback, insights, and sometimes direction. I love to swear with my clients and feel that humor is also important in the healing process. I have experience working with mood disorders/depression, anxiety, ADHD, gender exploration/transitioning, stress, relationship struggles, attachment concerns, self esteem, divorce, abuse (including sexual), complex trauma, developmental/ relational trauma, & PTSD. I have a special interest in working with trauma, including the trauma caused by a toxic person (aka Narcissistic abuse). I consider myself an eclectic therapist as I incorporate multiple modalities. I am EMDR trained, and certified in basic Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). I am loving how ART is helping my clients heal.

My Personal Beliefs and Interests

Feeling seen & heard is powerful tool in the healing process. Feeling isolated and alone can make healing and coping harder. Having someone you connect with and trust to take this journey with you is an important part of the healing process. I am spiritual, but not religious. I often refer to a higher power as "the universe," however I am open and respectful to others religious points of view and welcome them into the therapy environment. I am open and affirming, with experience working with gender non-confirming/transitioning populations. I firmly hold the belief that often times our mental health struggles are not about "what is wrong with us," but instead about "what happened to us." I strive to help client's find a more compassionate view of themselves while exploring how their experiences impacted them and helping them heal from those experiences. I feel honored when someone shares their healing journey with me and believe the work is a collaborative process.

Client Focus

Languages
English

Qualifications

License
LMSW, LISW, State of Iowa · #076886
Years in practice
11 years
Insurance Plans Accepted
  • Out of Network
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
  • Midlands Choice
  • Wellmark
I offer online counseling in the following states:

Hours & Availability

New clients welcome
Currently accepting new clients
In-person & Telehealth
Both available

Location

Primary Location

1913 Grand Ave
West Des Moines, IA 50265
515-468-5208

Access & Transport

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance (ADA compliant)
  • Gender-neutral bathrooms
Open in Google Maps ↗ · GPS: 41.5730851°, -93.7309864°

At A Glance

  • Experience: 11 years of practice
  • Languages: English
  • Rate: $195 - 225/session

Info

Email Sarah
1913 Grand Ave
West Des Moines, IA 50265

Reach out to Sarah