Mom Approved Interview - Loved by Children, Trusted by Moms - Dawn’s Approach to Serving Families

Loved by Children, Trusted by Moms: Dawn’s Approach to Serving Families

Interview by Emilie Shier- Counselor in Training

 It is an honor to have the opportunity to interview Sheila Dawn Thompson. She is a highly accomplished and dedicated professional in the field of counseling. With a decade of collective experience, she holds distinguished credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPC-S), a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S), and is certified in Sandtray therapy. Her extensive expertise and commitment to the therapeutic process, especially in creative and child-focused modalities, make her a valuable voice in the mental health community. This interview offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into her journey, approach, and the impactful work she continues to do.   

How long have you been practicing?

 Dawn has been fully licensed since 2016. Including her practicum hours, she has over 10 years of experience in the counseling field.

What populations do you specialize in (children, families, couples, etc.)?

 Dawn primarily works with children aged 15 and under. She particularly enjoys working with neurodivergent children, which aligns well with her AutPlay certification. She also holds a Sandtray certification, a modality that complements her work with younger clients.

What inspired you to become a therapist?

 In 8th grade, Dawn read A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer, which deeply moved her. She went on to read the rest of his memoirs, as well as those written by his siblings. By the age of 17, she knew she wanted to dedicate her career to helping others. During graduate school, she secured an internship site focused on serving children and their families, which solidified her passion for working with young children and parents.

What keeps you passionate about it?

Dawn finds joy in the excitement children show when they come in for a session. Building rapport and meaningful relationships is essential to her work. She feels a strong emotional connection to her clients and expresses her dedication through active engagement both during and outside of sessions.

What therapeutic approaches or techniques do you often use?

 With her Sandtray certification, Dawn incorporates creative, hands-on methods that allow children and teens to express themselves in safe and imaginative ways. Her theoretical orientation is Adlerian, which emphasizes phased change and holistic understanding. Depending on the child's needs, she tailors her approach to be either directive or non-directive.

If someone is nervous to meet you for the first time, what would you want them to know?

 Dawn strives to create a playful and welcoming environment. She emphasizes an egalitarian and collaborative approach to therapy, making it a space where both therapist and client work together to explore meaningful and empowering changes.

How would you describe your therapy style in three words?

Collaborative, Intentional, and Connected

What do you hope clients feel when they walk out of a session with you?

Dawn wants her clients to feel seen, heard, and genuinely cared for—both during and after their sessions.

What’s one common misconception about therapy you wish clients understood?

 Dawn wants clients to know that therapy isn’t about fixing something that’s broken. Rather, it's a collaborative process of finding solutions together. Clients seek connection when they are going through life changes and she provides a supportive environment to work together.  

How do you incorporate creativity, play, or outside-the-box methods into sessions (if you do)?

 Dawn uses the phrase “I wonder…” to invite curiosity and exploration. While the child guides the conversation, she uses reflective questioning to help focus the session on therapeutic goals. One technique she loves is mutual storytelling using miniatures or puppets, which allows children to explore thoughts and feelings in an engaging way.

What’s a lesson you’ve learned from your clients that has stayed with you?

 Clients have taught Dawn that it's okay not to have all the answers. What matters most is being present, supportive, and creating a space where clients feel safe and truly heard.

How has being a therapist changed the way you view relationships, family, or community?

 To Dawn, being a therapist is not just a job—it’s a calling. She strives to be her authentic self across all environments. True connection is something she deeply values in all relationships. Her faith also guides her, particularly inspired by Jesus as the “Wonderful Counselor,” and she aligns her approach with the values in 1 Corinthians 13—serving others in love and compassion.

What brings you joy or gives you energy on the hard days?

 Dawn enjoys singing in the car and staying active through regular exercise—both of which lift her spirits and help her recharge.

What do you enjoy doing outside of counseling?

She loves to clean and spend time outdoors hiking. She also enjoys music, visiting the zoo, and being with friends and family.

If you could give one piece of advice to someone considering therapy, what would it be?

 If you don’t connect with your first therapist, that’s okay! Dawn encourages clients to speak up if they don’t feel a good fit—she’s more than willing to help them find the right therapist, without judgment or resentment.

What separates HGC from other practices and why should a client choose a therapist at HGC?

 Hope and Growth Center truly cares for clients as whole individuals. The team works collaboratively to ensure that each client’s needs are met. HGC is grounded in core values—integrity, hope, receiving, growth, and wisdom—and every provider is committed to going the extra mile to support their clients.

What is your favorite part about working with the masters level interns and Associates that complete their internships at Hope and Growth center?

Dawn finds it incredibly rewarding to mentor interns and associates. They’re eager to learn, like sponges absorbing knowledge while growing into confident therapists. She enjoys watching their journey and appreciates the mutual accountability they bring to the professional environment—challenging her to continue striving for excellence.

   Conclusion:

Dawn’s passion, experience, and compassionate approach make her a truly impactful therapist for children and families. Her deep commitment to building meaningful connections, create a safe and supportive environment for healing and growth. With over a decade of experience and a heart for serving others, Dawn is an excellent choice for clients seeking a therapist who will meet them with empathy, professionalism, and purpose. It is an honor for me to learn from her and work alongside her as I grow in my own journey as a future counselor—her guidance and example are truly inspiring.