Sarah Dawson, LISW; FKA Sarah Cavan
I am an intuitive based therapist with a passion for working with trauma.
I started my journey as a therapist in a high school class that had us evaluate "What I wanted to do when I grew up." In 2003 I received my B.S. in Psychology from Iowa State University. After graduation I worked in the annuity/insurance scctor for approximately 10 years. In 2013 I returned to academics at the University of Iowa, and graduated in 2015 with a Masters in Social Work. Through the process I learned more about PIE (person in the environment), which means how different systems (work, family, schools, government, etc) impact us and how that impacts our mental health. Social Work being a strengths based approach teaches us that it is less about "what is wrong with someone" and more about "what happened" or is happening to them.
I worked in community mental health after graduation and really learned the meaning of social work in the therapeutic role. I obtained my Independent level license (LISW) in Fall 2017, and started working in a group practice in 2018. In January 2020, I made the leap to solo practice. I now work along side another social worker in an office setting that offers a homey feeling and semi-private outdoor space.
Along the way I have met many amazing people, both clients and professionals, that help keep the passion alive. I truly love what I do and every day I am amazed by people's capacity to heal and grow. I am truly honored when someone shares their healing journey with me.
I Am Here to Help
I work with adults and adolescents on an array of concerns using variety of therapeutic interventions depending on the needs of the individual client. I have experience working with a variety of mental health issues, including: traumatic events, developmental and relational trauma (attachment wounds), abuse (including emotional/mental abuse by a toxic individual/ aka Narcissistic abuse , bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, Gender Dysphoria, ADHD, and more.
I am certified in basic level Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) with a goal to receive advance training early 2027. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR). I often incorporate aspects of Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Attachment Theory, PolyVagal, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and more to help promote healing and self-compassion.
When appropriate I also love using humor and/or a good cuss word in the healing process. Sometimes things or so absurd that all you can do is laugh or the best way to describe something is a choice and colorful word.
So, if you find yourself trying to work through a trauma, mood disorders, anxiety, grief/loss, co-occurring disorder, self-harm behaviors, low self-esteem, domestic violence, attachment wounds, or gender transitioning; I am here to help. Together we can heal the wounds of what happened to you.
Are you swimming in the pool of shame? Is your healing process stuck? Do you struggle to understand yourself and the world around 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.