Dawn Whitman, PsyD
Meet Dawn
Hi, I’m Dawn. I work with adults navigating anxiety, chronic health concerns and pain, depression, relationship challenges, trauma, identity, and major life transitions.
I’m particularly interested in helping people understand the relationship between their internal experiences, their bodies, their relationships, and the larger context of their lives. Therapy with me is less about trying to eliminate every uncomfortable thought or feeling and more about developing a different relationship with those experiences so they have less power over how you live.
You Might Be a Good Fit If...
You may be a good fit for working with me if you:
Experience anxiety, overthinking, or difficulty quieting your mind.
Are adjusting to chronic illness, chronic pain, or changes in your health.
Feel stuck between knowing what matters to you and actually living in a way that reflects it.
Are navigating a significant life transition or change in identity.
Notice recurring patterns in relationships that you want to better understand.
Want to develop greater self-compassion while still creating meaningful change.
Appreciate therapy that balances reflection, curiosity, humor, and practical strategies.
How I Work
My style is collaborative, active, and curious. I’m interested not only in what is happening, but in how you relate to what is happening—what your mind tells you, what you notice in your body, what you tend to avoid, and what happens when difficult emotions show up.
We may spend time slowing down and noticing experiences that normally happen automatically. We may explore long-standing patterns and where they came from, while also paying attention to whether those patterns are still helping you today.
I value authenticity in the therapeutic relationship and believe therapy should be a place where we can be thoughtful and serious without everything having to feel heavy.
My Approach
My work integrates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness and self-compassion, relational therapy, psychodynamic and narrative perspectives, and somatic approaches.
ACT is particularly influential in how I think about change. Rather than waiting until difficult thoughts, emotions, or physical experiences disappear, we can learn to make room for them while choosing actions that move you toward what matters.
I also pay attention to patterns that emerge within relationships and to the stories people develop about themselves over time. When appropriate, we may incorporate mindfulness or body-based practices to help you notice experiences differently rather than immediately reacting to them.
Ultimately, the approach is tailored to you rather than asking you to fit into a particular therapy model.
Education & Credentials
Licensed Psychologist, Oregon
Initial Issuance 2012
Licensed Psychologist, Washington
Initial Issuance 2010
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
Antioch University New England, 2009
Master’s Degree in Psychology (MS)
Antioch University New England, 2006
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology (BS)
University of Oregon, 2002
Interested in Working With Dawn?
Submit a prospective patient inquiry and let us know that you're interested in working with Dawn. We'll review your needs, preferences, insurance, scheduling availability, and current provider openings to determine whether Dawn may be a good fit.