Dawn Gaden, M.A.

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

Emphasizing a holistic approach to wellness, Dawn educates and guides her clients. Nutrition and mood, stress management, yoga therapy are a few of her areas of interest.

Overview

Dawn received her Master of Arts degree from Oakland University, Rochester, MI in 2001. She is a National Certified Counselor, and certified in Complementary Medicine and Wellness. Dawn works extensively with children, using techniques such as creative play and art therapy. Dawn also works with adults, individuals and couples. She enjoys guiding clients through life situations, providing them with tools to assist them in making choices that support their emotional, mental, and spiritual wellbeing. As a Registered Yoga Teacher, Dawn also uses yoga therapy to support a persons physical and mental health.

Dawn Gaden sees patients at the following location(s):

Ann Arbor, Michigan

Samaritan Counseling Services
2890 Carpenter Road, Suite 1600
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108
Phone: (734) 677-0609
Fax: (734) 677-3072
Web: http://samaritan.cc/

Pinckney, Michigan

Samaritan Counseling Services
1740 East M36
Pinckney, Michigan 48169
Phone: (734) 677-0609
Fax: (734) 677-3072

Personal Statement

I have found that my purpose is to work with others who are searching for more out of life. During our times of trials, when the road is not so smooth, we look for solutions, new ways of creating the life we long for. I tend to practice from a spiritual foundation. Someone once said "we are spiritual beings having a physical experience". When we connect to our deeper self, that is when we find the courage, strength, and will to be who we are intended to be. We find truth within the fog we have been absorbed in for so long. Along this spiritual journey, we must also tend to the health of the physical body and mind. The areas that excite me to share with others are nutrition, yoga, stress management, and meditation. When we see ourselves as a whole person, we can identify all the toxins that enter our bodies through all of our senses. What we eat and drink, what we listen to and what we speak, what we watch on television; all have a great affect on our mental, physical, and emotional health. When we begin to feel hopeless, there is light that, indeed, we have choices and control over our own lives. We have the power to make the changes in our daily lives, one step at a time, that will create the life that is intended. At times, this may seem overwhelming. I have been there myself. Knowing what to do when your thoughts consume you, practicing meditation and quiet relaxation, release the fears of the unknown and gives you clarity. I believe one of the best medicines for depression is exercise. Any form of movement stimulates the body which stimulates the mind. It is all connected! This is so exciting and it is what gives me energy to pursue this path. We are all on a journey. How we take the first step is up to us. Knowing we have support, a sense of community and connectedness, is part of the human experience.

Treatment Areas

Dawn Gaden has experience treating the following areas: ADHD, Addiction Issues, Alcoholism, Anger Management, Anorexia Nervosa, Anxiety Disorders, Assertiveness, Attention Deficit Disorders, Behavior Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Bulimia, Childhood Sexual Abuse Victims, Chronic Pain, Co-Dependency, Couples' Issues, Depression, Divorce, Impulse Control, Insomnia, Laziness, Life Management Issues, Loneliness, Low Self-Esteem, Manic-Depressive Illness, Men's Health, Migraine Headaches, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders, Organizational Issues, PTSD, Pain, Relationship Issues, Sexual Assault Victims, Sleeplessness, Stress, Substance Abuse, Suicidal Behavior, Suicidal Ideation, Suicidal Thoughts, Traumatic Stress, Vocational Issues, Weight Loss, Weight Management, Women's Issues and Work Issues.

Treatment Modalities

Dawn Gaden provides Art Therapy, Career Assessment, Career Counseling, Christian Psychotherapy, Client-Centered Psychotherapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Existential Psychotherapy, Experiential Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Goal-Oriented Therapy, Guided Imagery, Holistic Medicine, Individual Psychotherapy, Lifestyle Assessment, Marriage Counseling, Nutritional Therapy, Parent Training, Personality Testing, Play Therapy, Psychoanalysis and Spiritual Counseling. She works with Adolescents, Adults, Businesses/Corporations, Children, Couples and Seniors.

Affiliations

Dawn Gaden is a provider for Managed Health Network, Managed Health Network EAP, Medicare and Value Options.