New Dawn Counseling
About
About My Professional Experience
​I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 18 years of counseling experience helping clients with concerns related to anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, and complex trauma. My professional experience has included working in a college counseling center, a free community clinic, supporting students and parents as a school counselor, mentoring other counselors, teaching parent education workshops, providing professional development to educators, and presenting at the WA School Counselor Association conference.
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This range of professional experiences has equipped me with a unique set of knowledge, skills, strategies, and tools to help my clients on their therapeutic journey. I'm grateful to be doing what I love: creating a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to show up authentically, deeply listening to their perspective and experiences, and walking alongside them as they develop the skills and insights to unlock their inner strength and resources. The ultimate goal of our work together is for them to experience more compassion, creativity, curiosity, connectedness, confidence, calm, courage, and clarity 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 feedback, guidance, and support in a non-judgmental space so that clients can tap into their own healing resources.
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I primarily draw from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) theory and techniques, incorporate dialectical behavior therapy skills, and am IFS-informed (Internal Family Systems therapy). In addition, I practice feedback-informed treatment to track progress and make adjustments to best meet the needs and goals of each individual client.​​
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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healing from childhood trauma (C-PTSD);
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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-resilient, 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 click the link below and complete the online form.
