Dawn Wilhelm
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Even if you’ve tried therapy before and were disappointed with the process, I encourage you to try again. Sometimes, all it takes is finding the right person that “clicks” with you, and I’d love to be that therapist for you. The first step is always the scariest, but you won’t be in this alone. I’m an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been providing therapy for adult individuals and couples since 2002.
My approach is very down to earth. If you’re hoping for realness and authenticity mixed with a healthy dose of optimism and positive encouragement in your therapist, that’s what you’ll get with me.
I’m well-experienced in working with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and loss, job stressors, life transitions and post-traumatic stress disorder. I’m also experienced in working with sexual and intimacy issues and am an LGBTQI ally. I would love to be your guide in navigating these sometimes-overwhelming life stressors.
Reaching out for therapy can be the lifeline you’ve been searching for. Let me help you to navigate through life’s obstacles, teach you more effective ways to cope, and to show you how to love your life despite and sometimes even because of, those difficulties.
Low Self-esteem & People Pleasing
Do you have trouble saying ‘no’ to someone without feeling guilty or making excuses? Do you know what assertive communication or setting appropriate boundaries with others looks like? Do you vow to yourself that you’re going to do better with self-care, but other people’s needs, and priorities always somehow come first? Does it feel like you just don’t matter enough to ever put yourself first?
If any of this sounds like you, I’d love to work with you. Helping clients to address issues related to people pleasing and self-esteem, is a particular area of passion for me. Together, we’ll explore some of the reasons for your struggles in these areas and you’ll gain an action plan to help you to resolve it once and for all. I want to help you learn to love yourself for who you are, to understand that it’s okay to say no and be assertive, and to realize your needs are important. If you want that too, I look forward to working with you!
Intimacy Problems
When people hear the term intimacy, they often think only of the sexual aspect of it, and although sex can be an important component, true intimacy goes much deeper than that. Intimacy is also the connection you feel with someone as you grow to care about them and feel more comfortable with them. There are many levels that need to be worked on when dealing with intimacy issues, and there are many things that cause these problems in the first place. Whether it be anxiety-based, from past trauma or abuse, negative body image, feeling unappreciated, or any of the multiple other possible causes, I would like to help guide you through the healing process in a safe, non-judgmental way.
Sex Therapy
Do you need help with the emotional aspects of sex-related issues? Did you know that sexual problems can have psychological causes or impacts? Just as with general intimacy problems, sex-related issues can stem from many things, like anxiety, past trauma or abuse, negative body image, and so much more. (Please see the notice below to ensure there is not a medical cause first.) Conversely, sexual problems can lead to anxiety, depression, etc.