Dawn Gonsalves, LMHC is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor specializing in individual and couples therapy, and maintains a private practice in Johnston, RI.
With over 25 years experience in the mental health and human services field , and as a graduate of Rhode Island College and the University of Rhode Island specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as the Humanistic approach, she is currently serving as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients.
In addition to her private practice in Johnston, RI. Ms. Gonsalves is an adjunct professor at Rhode Island College teaching a graduate class in the Counseling and Educational Psychology program. She also is employed by the State of RI Department of Human Services where as a Senior Casework Supervisor and Clinical Training Specialist she brings her lifelong commitment to helping others.
Ms Gonsalves is an interactive, solution-focused therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques including Cognitve-Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Mind Stimulation Therapy to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Education and Experience.
Ms. Gonsalves has significant experience in both inpatient and outpatient
treatment. Having worked at both the Zambarano Unit, Forensic Services ,
Mathias Unit, and Adult Psychiatric Services of the Eleanor Slater
Hospital, she has been fortunate to work with remarkable individuals
experiencing Traumatic Brain Injury, Alzheimer's, Quadraplegia, Multiple
Sclerosis, Dementia, Autism, Schizophrenia, AIDS, Bipolar Disorder,
Borderline Personality disorder, Anti-Social Personality Disorder,
Self-Injurious Behavior and Addictions. In private practice, She has focused
her energy supporting teens and adults with relationship issues,
depression, anxiety, Borderline Personality Disorder, trauma, ADHD,
Grief, Vocational and Parental issues.
She has also worked in Emergency Services at the Kent County Hospital as a Qualified mental Health Professional and as a Social Work intern at the Rhode Island Training School.
She obtained her B.A. in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island and both a M.A. and C.A.G.S. in Counseling Psychology from Rhode Island College.
License, Certifications & Awards
Ms Gonsalves is licensed in RI as a LMHC and received the Outstanding Achievements in Psychology Award from URI.
Additional Training
Ms Gonsalves has received certification in CBT having participated in a CBT Training Series with Dan Beck from the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, DBT from the Bridge Training Institute, Treating non-Suicidal Self-Injurious Behavior with Dr. Barent Walsh and Treating Couples at the Harvard Medical School of Continuing Education.
Professional Activities and Memberships