About Teresa
Teresa "Terri" Dawe is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 34 years of practice. She helps people who are struggling with relationships, self-esteem, career questions, and depression. Terri speaks plainly and aims to make therapy feel practical and manageable for a worried parent reading on a phone.
Terri trained at the University of South Carolina and earned her Master of Social Work at Rutgers University. She also completed a post-master's certificate in marriage and family therapy at the Family Institute and trained in the Duluth Model of domestic violence.
Background and approach
Over her career she has worked in outpatient settings, supervised interns, and held administrative roles building clinical programs. Her background includes 16 years managing Employee Assistance Programs, where she consulted with unions and human resources. She has provided training and consultation to other professionals on family and couples work.
This mix of clinical practice and program development informs a practical approach to common life problems. In sessions Terri uses a family systems framework to help people see how their personal history affects current relationships. She also draws on cognitive behavioral techniques, motivational interviewing, and psychoeducation to guide change.
The work is collaborative and paced to each person's needs. Clients can expect a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to talk through issues like blended family challenges, communication and control problems, divorce and separation, codependency, guilt, shame, isolation, life purpose, and workplace stress. Terri aims to help people gain insight, make changes, and move toward greater wellbeing.
Therapeutic techniques and online care that fit your life
Terri commonly uses a family systems framework to help people see how their history and relationships shape current patterns. This approach looks at repeated roles and interactions so people can change how they relate and reduce conflict.She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques, which focus on practical skills to change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. These tools are useful for mood problems, anxiety, and improving day-to-day functioning. Motivational interviewing is another method she uses to help people clarify goals and find personal reasons to make change in areas like career, relationships, or substance use.
Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Terri collaborates with each person to decide which techniques suit their goals and preferences, and she adjusts the plan as progress is made. The process is a partnership aimed at realistic steps and clearer direction.
Online sessions are offered by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to give flexibility. Video lets people work face-to-face when a fuller conversation is needed. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or when a change in routine is needed. Live chat or messaging can work well for brief check-ins, quick coping strategies, and people who prefer written communication. These options make it easier to fit regular therapy into busy family and work schedules.
Frequently asked questions
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Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Self esteem
Also works with
- Experience
- 34 years
- Licensed
- New Jersey
- Languages
- English