Teresa 'Terri" Dawe , LCSW

Teresa "Terri" Dawe, LCSW helps people address relationship strains, self-esteem struggles, career questions, and depression. She brings a calm, straightforward manner and over three decades of clinical experience to each session.

Terri draws on a family systems way of looking at problems to show how past patterns affect present choices. She pairs that with cognitive behavioral tools and motivational interviewing to help people notice unhelpful thoughts, set goals, and try new behaviors. Sessions include practical discussion and skill-building, not just talking about feelings.

Her background includes a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University and a Post-Master's Certificate Program in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Family Institute. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey and has worked in outpatient settings supervising interns and provisionally licensed clinicians.

Terri also spent many years managing Employee Assistance Programs and consulting with unions and human resources. That work informs her understanding of workplace stress and career-related challenges. She offers trainings and consultation for other professionals on family and couples issues.

In session she aims to create a compassionate, non-judging space where people can gain insight and make concrete changes. Her style is collaborative: she helps set goals and supports practical steps toward healthier relationships, better self-regard, and clearer life direction.

Therapeutic approaches and online care

Terri uses a family systems perspective to help clients see how early patterns shape current relationships. This approach looks at interactions and roles so people can try different responses and shift long-standing habits. Cognitive behavioral techniques are used to identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, useful for depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. Motivational interviewing supports people who feel stuck and want gentle help finding their own reasons for change, often helpful with commitment and career decisions.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Terri collaborates with each person to match methods to their needs, goals, and preferences. She reviews options together and adjusts the plan as progress emerges so therapy stays practical and relevant.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and needs. Video sessions allow face-to-face conversation, phone calls can work when bandwidth is limited, and messaging or chat provide short check-ins or reflection between sessions. These options make therapy easier to fit around work, childcare, and busy days while keeping the focus on steady progress.