Profile / United States
Dawn O'Regan, LISW
Iowa
LISW - Anxiety and relationship difficulties
See online therapy options- Anxiety and stress
- Relationship communication
- Cognitive behavioral work
About Dawn
Dawn O'Regan is an Iowa Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) with 25 years of clinical experience. She works with people dealing with anxiety, depression, stress, relationship and communication problems, and other life changes. Dawn emphasizes practical skills that help clients cope and make clearer choices.
She started as a bachelor-level social worker and later completed graduate training, then earned an independent social work license. Her career includes roles in community mental health, private group practice, and running her own individual practice. She currently works in a community mental health setting while also spending time traveling with her life partner.
Dawn focuses on building core relationship skills such as clear communication, emotional regulation, and self-worth. She uses a strengths-based, solutions-focused stance and treats clients as the experts of their own lives. Together they set goals and create simple plans to reach them.
Her work draws on several therapeutic approaches. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to map links between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. She also incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based ideas, client-centered techniques, and mindfulness practices where they fit.
In some cases Dawn uses internal family systems work to identify and update internal parts that get in the way of progress. Outside of practice she spends time on yoga, walks, hiking, and meditation, and shares life with her partner and two dogs.
How CBT and related approaches work online
Dawn commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in her work. CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing them against real-life evidence to change patterns of feeling and acting. ACT helps people notice what matters to them, accept difficult feelings, and take steps that align with chosen values.She also draws on Attachment-Based ideas that look at patterns in relationships and how early attachment experiences shape current interactions. These approaches help with anxiety, mood concerns, relationship communication, and coping with life changes. Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Dawn will talk with each person about goals, try a method, and adjust based on how well it is working and the person's preferences.
Confirm current session options before booking to know exact online formats. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into daily life, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. They can also let someone join from a quieter setting or avoid a commute. Talk with Dawn about what session length and rhythm would best fit your routine so therapy can be practical and sustainable.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Iowa
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she commonly help with?
She helps people with anxiety, depression, stress, relationship and communication problems, bipolar mood concerns, grief, trauma, and coping with life changes.
How does she approach therapy?
She uses a client-centered, strengths-based approach and draws on CBT, ACT, attachment work, mindfulness, and solution-focused strategies to meet practical goals.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 25 years of experience, including work in community mental health, private group practice, and individual practice.
What are her credentials and location?
She is an Iowa Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and lives and works in Iowa.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.