Kate Dawson, MSW, LSW
Kate holds dual roles at Family Horizons, combining her expertise as a psychotherapist with her role as Intake Coordinator. In her clinical work, she provides compassionate, evidence-based psychotherapy to clients, while as the Intake Coordinator, she skillfully manages the entire intake process, ensuring a seamless and supportive experience for all new clients within the practice. She works with children, adolescents, young adults, and families navigating complex life transitions, attachment challenges, and various behavioral and emotional difficulties. Kate's warm and non-judgmental approach combined with her knowledge and implementation of evidence-based interventions allows for transformative change. She has extensive experience and training in working with survivors of trauma, domestic violence, and crisis intervention. She understands the complexities of the legal system, and compassionately supports families through difficult seasons of life, whether that be separation, divorce, co-parenting, or adoption.
Kate received her Master's in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago, specializing in Advanced Clinical Practice. She completed her first-level internship with Family Horizons, followed by her role as a Student Clinician, eventually becoming a Child & Family Therapist with the team. Kate completed her clinical internship at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago within the Pritzker Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, where received advanced training and served as a primary therapist within the Partial Hospitalization Program.
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Kate is also a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200), with specialized experience in trauma-informed practice and children's yoga. She has been certified in the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, a clinical assessment tool and approach that integrates core principles of neurodevelopment and traumatology to inform her work with children and families. Kate has also received training in Theraplay, which guides her work in child-caregiver attachment and bonding.
Education & Background
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Masters in Social Work, Advanced Clinical Practice, Loyola University Chicago
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Bachelor of Social Work, Loyola University Chicago​
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​Licensed Social Worker, State of Illinois
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Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200) and Certified Children’s Yoga Teacher
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Level One Theraplay & Marschak Interaction Method (MIM), Theraplay Institute
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Member of Association of Family and Conciliation Courts​
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Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, Phase I Training
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Parenting Coordination Training, AFCC
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Clinical Specializations​​
Complex Trauma & PTSD
Child and Adolescent
Play Therapy
Mood and Anxiety Disorders
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Additional Expertise
ADHD
Domestic Violence
Family Conflict
LGBTQIA+
Life Transitions & Stress
Women's Issues