Dawn Dougherty, LCSW

Compassionate California LCSW for life transitions

30 years experience
Holistic person-centered care
Video phone chat messaging

About Dawn Dougherty

Dawn Dougherty is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California with 30 years of experience supporting people through emotional challenges and major life transitions. She specializes in areas such as stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationships, grief, parenting, and LGBTQ concerns, offering informed care for complex issues like abandonment, attachment, blended family dynamics, and caregiver stress. Dawn blends clinical training with a holistic sensibility drawn from her background as a yoga and meditation instructor, integrating mindfulness and body-aware practices when appropriate while keeping treatment rooted in evidence-based approaches.

Her work centers on a person-centered, compassionate stance that honors each individual's history and strengths. Dawn uses practical tools to address symptoms and relational patterns while helping clients clarify values, build coping skills, and navigate changes in career, family life, and identity. She brings particular experience supporting those coping with grief, compassion fatigue, bipolar disorder, and the stresses of caregiving and blended family situations. Dawn is currently not accepting new clients.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuse Depression

Also Specializes In

LGBTFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAttachment issuesAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsDependent personalityDivorce and separationDomestic violenceFamily problemsFertility issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersPost-traumatic stressSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issues

Therapeutic Approach

Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Dawn Dougherty have?

Dawn Dougherty has 30 years of experience providing clinical social work and therapeutic support.

Is Dawn Dougherty a licensed therapist?

Yes. Dawn holds the credential LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her license details are CA LCSW 136693.

In which languages does Dawn Dougherty provide therapy?

Therapy is provided in English.

Where is Dawn Dougherty located?

She is located in California.

How can I work with Dawn Dougherty as my therapist?

You can work with Dawn Dougherty through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Dawn Dougherty work with international clients?

Dawn Dougherty does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Dawn Dougherty cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic Approaches and How Online Therapy Works

Dawn Dougherty draws from Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Mindfulness Therapy to tailor care to each person. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship so individuals can explore their feelings and goals at their own pace - this approach is helpful for people facing relationship struggles, identity questions, or life transitions. CBT offers structured techniques to identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical skills to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress-related symptoms. Mindfulness Therapy teaches simple attention and breathing practices that can help reduce reactivity and support emotion regulation, which complements work on trauma, grief, and compassion fatigue.

Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Dawn collaborates with clients to assess their needs, preferences, and goals, adjusting methods over time so care remains relevant and effective. This collaborative stance helps clients feel involved in planning treatment and choosing the tools that fit them best.

Online therapy with Dawn includes flexible options such as video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to schedule sessions around busy lives, access support from home, and maintain continuity of care during transitions, while still working with licensed professionals who guide skill-building and emotional processing.

Ready to start therapy with Dawn Dougherty?

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