Licensed Associate CounselorDawn Ellis, LAC
Hi! My name is Dawn! I am originally from California. I lived in several different areas throughout
the state for the majority of my life, then spent a decade living in Las Vegas before making my
home here in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
One of the most imperative concepts I have learned in life is, shame is never a motivator. I have
made devastating mistakes in my life. Like many others, unfortunately it took hitting rock bottom
to find my own path towards transformation and recovery. However, it was through my deepest
regrets I came to realize the healing power of grace and acceptance. I have suffered through
deep heartache, loss and grief; yet it was through the love and support of others I have found
healing, growth, and recovery beyond belief. It was also through this process I realized my
greatest passion is providing a safe place, extending grace, acceptance and support to others
as they walk through and process their life’s most painful circumstances in a way others did for
me.
My Professional Background
I earned my Bachelors of Arts in Organizational Communications from California State University, Sacramento. Then 17 years later, and much life experience, I earned my Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Brown University, Arkansas. My therapeutic approach generally consists of an eclectic blend of client centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution focused brief therapy (SFBT). I utilize these methods primarily because they often have immediate results. I believe in the intrinsic ability every one of us has to recover and thrive after enduring life’s ever changing hardships. I work with each person to uncover their most unique strengths and abilities which many times have been buried beneath negative thought patterns or detrimental core beliefs systems. When we are able to refine our own individual potential, there is an amazing sense of empowerment and authentic freedom to be found!