Dawn Smith LCSW - Trauma therapy, Burke, Fairfax, Couples and Individuals

When you look for healing, you’re going to feel things—that part isn’t negotiable

Hey - I’m Dawn and I am so glad you are here.

Unburdening is the first step in reclaiming. It’s not a race to the finish - it’s a partnered roadmap full of insights and uncomfortable moments - anger, sadness and unearthed joy. Let’s just call it; therapy is hard.

But so is living in a way that doesn’t serve you or your relationships.

What if I told you there’s another way? A way to live like you mean it.

I offer you a real, no-bullshit approach to liking who you see in the mirror and shutting off that inner voice that offers you no reprieve.

You are here because maybe you know this.

I’m here because I do.

Let’s make it happen.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent two decades working in the social work field in policy with huge gaps to raise a family of six. Serving on military bases overseas and exploring the immense impact of wellness in every facet and family is what brought me into private practice in Northern Virginia. My roles had deep meaning and yet I wanted more; less transitional relationships and more presence, growth, and connection. I wanted to be in the trenches - away from protocol and board rooms and onto the couch holding space for those in trusting me.

It’s sacred, personal, and profound.

Through my work, I have found language that brought design and purpose to my life beyond what my younger self could have ever dreamed.

I know the sleepless nights, the broken relationships, the questioning of worth, and the messiness of trauma and healing; devastation and rebuilding.

I also know the breakdowns and break-throughs that bring unimaginable reclaiming, calm, and safety.

I’m here for it. All of it. It’s my epic mission and my greatest honor to welcome you in.

Schedule Consultation Here

street cred…

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Practice Owner

  • University 0f Maryland (MSW)

  • Certified Gender-Affirming Specialist

  • Certified Trauma Specialist

  • Certified Accelerated Resolution Therapy Practitioner

  • Certified Gottman-Couples Therapist

  • IFS, EFT, Somatic trained

  • Adolescent/Teen Specialist

  • Military Family Advocacy and EFMP (United Kingdom)

  • Polyamory, ENM, and Alternative Lifestyle Affirmative

  • Trevor Project Volunteer and LGBTQIA2+ Ally

  • 20 year Retired Air Force spouse

  • Mother to four daughters and three pushy dogs with no boundaries

Trauma and Couples Therapy: Northern Virginia

LCSW, Practice Owner, Ally, Mother, Retired Air Force wife and lover of dogs, books, sushi and classic rock

The fact that you are here means you are ready to create real change.

Because growth doesn’t happen in your comfort zone.

what I can do for you…

  • Internal Family Systems

    IFS is a gentle, effective approach based on the idea that we all have different parts within us that show up at various times -we have our anxious part, our people pleasing part, our angry part, the driven part, the protector part. These parts - even the ones we may want to change up aren’t flawed. They are brilliant survival strategies that got us here - but maybe need to stand down for a while. IFS helps us understand them, heal the wounds that brought them here and learn some new ways to safely navigate our relationships, our past and ourselves.

    This approach works perfectly for individuals and couples wanting deeper connection, healing and understanding.

    For more information: IFS Blog

    Internal Family Systems - IFS

  • Accelerated Resolution Therapy

    A.R.T. is a profound, non-invasive approach to break free from trauma, stress, anxiety and fear. This works directly to reprogram the way in which distressing memories and images are stored in the brain so they no longer trigger strong physical and emotional reactions. This approach can help quickly clear the emotional blocks without having to relive and retell the painful details.

    Relief can often by felt in as little as one to five sessions and is perfect for young teens to adults.

    For more information about ART - click here:

  • Trauma and Healing

    What if you don’t know what you are looking for? What if you just want to talk this out and get to resolution? What if all of this is just overwhelming and you just want a place to land - to unpack, unravel and figure this out.

    I see you.

    My philosophy is there is no perfect approach or modality - what works is only what works for you.

    So we meet, talk, lay it out and decide on a path.

    You just need to show up - I’ll meet you there.

    See you soon

    Trauma Therapy
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