New Dawn Counseling
About
About My Professional Experience
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 14 years of counseling experience in schools helping students and parents with concerns related to anxiety, depression, grief, conflict resolution, bullying, and trauma. In my school counseling role I also mentored other counselors, taught parent education seminars, provided professional development to other educators, and presented at the WA School Counselor Association conference.
In addition to counseling, I also have training and experience as a Positive Behavioral and Social Emotional Support Coach. In this role, I worked primarily with teachers and parents to implement evidenced-based practices to support students both at school and at home.
Prior to working in schools, I gained experience counseling in a college counseling center as well as a free community counseling clinic.
This combination of professional experiences has provided me with a unique set of skills, strategies, and tools to help my clients on their therapeutic journey. I'm grateful to be doing what I love: connecting with clients in an authentic way, deeply listening to their story, and walking alongside them as they develop the skills and insights to yield more joy, peace, and wholeness in their lives and relationships.
About My Therapeutic Approach
The foundation of my therapeutic approach is eclectic and person-centered therapy. In a nutshell, this means that I recognize and trust human potential and provide clients with empathy and unconditional positive regard to help facilitate change. I also offer support, guidance, structure and a non-judgmental brave space so that clients can discover personalized solutions within themselves.
Through that lens, I utilize a variety of therapeutic techniques from evidence-based practices including solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) skills. In addition, I practice feedback-informed treatment (FIT), regularly gathering feedback from clients to track progress and make adjustments to best meet each individual client where they are at and help them achieve their counseling goals.
Working together in sessions, you'll gain the insight and skills to make the changes you want to live your best and most integrated life.
About My Personal Experiences
A variety of lived experiences have shaped who I am and how I show up in my therapeutic relationship and work with clients:
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dismantling insecurities and shame I had from experiencing racial discrimination and microaggressions as a first generation Asian-American;
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overcoming childhood trauma;
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managing perfectionism, depression, and anxiety;
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breaking free from "religion" and finding grace and spirituality;
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learning to take risks in the face of fear;
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and blending a family as a bio-less step-parent.
My own work in therapy has empowered me to make significant and meaningful change in my life, as well as accomplish my goals. I would love to help you do the same!
Here For You
Are you ready to experience therapy in a judgment-free, shame-free, and supportive environment with a therapist who is patient, warm, compassionate, and willing to push you past your comfort zone? If so, contact me to schedule a free 15-minute consultation by email (cathygilbert@newdawncounselingpnw.com) or simply click the link below and complete the online form.
