Dawn Ginestra (She/her)

From the moment I got into this field I knew I wanted to work with adolescents as they bring a unique energy and perspective to the therapeutic process which I enjoy tremendously. Adolescents also have distinctive issues they need help with and after 26 years of working with this population, I feel I have a special skillset to help them work through those while feeling supported and encouraged.

Being a dual diagnosis clinician, I have built specific skills to help patients of all ages challenge their mental health symptoms from bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression, among others. Working openly and honestly with patients they learn new techniques to manage their symptoms effectively.

Alcohol and drug addiction is a disorder that not only affects the person using the substance, but also their family and friends who love them. And despite it finally being brought to light by the media in recent years, it still carries a stigma that impedes the patient from seeking treatment. I knew I wanted to work specifically with those struggling with addiction from the moment I stepped into school and I can proudly say 26 years later I still hold that same passion.

Alcohol and drug addiction is a disorder that not only affects the person using the substance, but also their family and friends who love them. And despite it finally being brought to light by the media in recent years, it still carries a stigma that impedes the patient from seeking treatment. I knew I wanted to work specifically with those struggling with addiction from the moment I stepped into school and I can proudly say 26 years later I still hold that same passion.

Alcohol and drug addiction is a disorder that not only affects the person using the substance, but also their family and friends who love them. And despite it finally being brought to light by the media in recent years, it still carries a stigma that impedes the patient from seeking treatment. I knew I wanted to specialize in addiction 26 years ago and still feel as passionate and dedicated today.

Alcohol and drug addiction is a disorder that not only affects the person using the substance, but also their family and friends who love them. And despite it finally being brought to light by the media in recent years, it still carries a stigma that impedes the patient from seeking treatment. I knew I wanted to specialize in addiction 26 years ago and still feel as passionate and dedicated today to help patients overcome addiction.

Helping patients feel empowered is my number one goal when working with someone, and solution focused therapy is a great modality to do that. Utilizing solution focused therapy along with CBT helps the patient stay on track with their therapeutic goals and see results in real time, which in turn builds confidence for them to keep moving ahead in therapy and challenging additional problems.

Cognitive behavioral therapy has been scientifically proven to be one of the most effective forms of treatment for depression, anxiety and substance use disorders and since dual diagnosis issues are my specialty, CBT has been my go to therapeutic approach for 26 years. The focus is to work together with patients to break down their thinking patterns that have led to unhealthy behaviors and bringing about change by challenging thought distortions and learning effective coping skills.

Utilizing motivational interviewing, which is a directive client-centered counseling style, in tandem with CBT has demonstrated to bring about change and growth in patients in a rapid and efficient manner. By going through the stages of change with patients, it can help them to see where they may be stuck in ambivalence and inspire them to move in a positive direction of behavior change.