- Stress and anxiety
- Family of origin
- CBT and ACT
About Dawn
Dawn O'Regan is an Iowa Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) with 25 years of experience. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and communication struggles, and concerns that trace back to family of origin patterns. Dawn focuses on practical skills like clear communication, emotional regulation, and building self-worth.
She spent the early part of her career as a bachelor-level social worker before graduate school, then earned an independent social work license. Dawn has worked in community mental health settings, in private group practice, and in her own individual practice. That range of settings informs how she supports people with everyday life challenges.
Her style is client-centered. She treats people as the experts in their own lives and collaborates on goals and direction. She uses a strengths-based and solution-focused lens to help identify what is working and what to change.
Dawn draws on several evidence-informed approaches. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to look at links between thoughts, feelings, and actions. She incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness techniques to reduce reactivity and increase present-moment skills. Attachment-based ideas and parts work are also used when appropriate to look at how early relationships shape current patterns.
Outside of work she spends time outdoors, practicing yoga, walking, and meditating with her life partner and two dogs. She weaves practical life skills and real-world routines into therapy to help people make changes that fit their everyday lives.
Therapeutic approaches and working online
Dawn often uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help people notice links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and to practice different ways of thinking and acting. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is used to clarify values and guide small steps toward those values while accepting difficult feelings. Attachment-based ideas are brought in to look at how early relationship patterns influence current reactions and closeness. Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Dawn works with each person to identify goals and to try methods that fit their needs and preferences. She explains approaches in plain language and adjusts the plan as people learn what helps them most. Practical benefits of online therapy include fitting sessions around work and family life and reducing travel time. Specific session formats are not listed here, so confirm the current options before booking to match how you prefer to meet. Online work can make it easier to keep regular check-ins, try brief skill-building between longer sessions, or meet during a lunch break when that suits day-to-day life.Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Iowa
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address related to family patterns?
She helps people looking at family of origin issues, relationship patterns, and communication problems that affect adult life.
Which therapeutic approaches does she use?
She uses client-centered work plus CBT, ACT, attachment-based ideas, and mindfulness strategies to address thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 25 years of experience working in community mental health, private group practice, and individual practice settings.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is an LISW - Licensed Independent Social Worker - practicing from Iowa.
In what language are sessions held?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted; she works with people within the appropriate jurisdiction.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies by location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.