Richard "Rick" Dawson, LCSW

Richard "Rick" Dawson is an LCSW with 33 years of clinical work behind him. He returned to practice after retirement because helping people with hard life challenges is his passion. He works from Oregon and speaks English. Rick draws on decades of inpatient and outpatient experience. He has led both individual and group work and has also provided therapy in hospice and community mental health settings. That varied background informs how he helps people facing depression, anxiety, addiction, grief, and relationship stress. In sessions he keeps things straightforward and practical. He aims to create a nonjudgmental space where clients can talk about thoughts and feelings. Together he and the client problem-solve and try small, concrete steps to ease daily struggles. Rick uses several clinical approaches in his work, including cognitive behavioral techniques, dialectical behavior strategies, mindfulness, and solution-focused methods. He tailors these tools to each person’s goals rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model. Over his career he has helped people with sleep problems, parenting strain, anger, low self-esteem, bipolar mood concerns, ADHD, and panic symptoms. He also addresses isolation, guilt and shame, and compassion fatigue. He encourages clients to take gradual steps toward a more rewarding life.