Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawn Dillon.
Hi Dawn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have had a solo private practice providing psychotherapy since 2000, with a specialty in the treatment of eating disorders and originally starting in Parker County, Texas. After a move out of state in 2011, I returned to Fort Worth in 2015 and continued a private practice, reconnecting with TCU and local colleagues. A Dallas colleague, Carol Park, and I then founded Courageous Encounters, providing weekend educational retreats for therapists, dietitians and other health providers interested in treating those with eating disorders. The pandemic put a stop to those, with our last one being in February 2020.
The pandemic also led to a surge in people seeking psychotherapy as well as a rise in the number of those suffering with disordered eating. This left many of us specialists with long waitlists, simply unable to meet the need.
Out of a desire to help meet the increased need for care, my group practice came together. I have had the pleasure of a few wonderful providers joining me along the way. Each of them with their own specialties in addition to specializing in the treatment of eating disorders.
Our group has been together through significant life changes including some becoming parents, me becoming a grandparent, and some big moves, including two moving across the country.
Our group practice has allowed everyone the flexibility to navigate life events and have balance while still getting to work in an area we are each passionate about.
We also have been able to establish collaborative relationships throughout DFW as well as other cities and states. I now live in Austin but still work with a lot of clients and colleagues in the DFW area. We have an office in Fort Worth, with Jenni Samuel as the provider, an office in NYC with Danielle Polland and one in Johnson City, TN, with May McInnis.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Looking back it seems smoother than it probably was at the time. The moves for my husband’s career had many advantages but also added struggles inherent to setting up a new private practice and finding a place in the professional community. The abrupt stop with Courageous Encounters due to the pandemic was unfortunate, but it also resulted in the formation of our group practice for which I am so grateful.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am proud of being able to take a career turn when I was a mom of two young boys and I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to do so. I originally was working in science and teaching after earning a bachelors in biomedical science and a masters in exercise physiology. After some life experience and a move to Texas, I decided to go back to school for a masters in counseling. The combination of my science background, the counseling training and the interest in disordered eating, led to my specialization in that field. For the past 25 years, I have focused on continued learning, as well as teaching, about eating disorders and mentoring others in becoming specialists. It has been such a gift to be able to combine my love for science and my passion for mental health into a career that has hopefully helped others heal and feel less alone in their struggle.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Growing up on a lake in the Midwest led to all my favorite childhood memories being in or near the water. Whether swimming, skiing or simply watching the sunlight bounce off the surface, I’ve always loved the water.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dilloncounselingassociates.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-dillon-lpc-s-ceds-c-9664ab75
