- family systems
- CBT techniques
- motivational interviewing
About Teresa
Teresa 'Terri' Dawe is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in New Jersey with 34 years of practice. She works with people on relationship strain, family concerns, self-esteem, career questions, and depression. Terri also lists blended family issues among her focus areas.
She draws on a family systems framework to help clients see how their history shapes current behavior and relationships. That framework looks at patterns and roles people fall into, and how those carry into new households. Terri also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to address unhelpful thoughts, motivational interviewing to clarify goals, and psychoeducation to explain what changes feel realistic.
Her background includes a Master of Social Work from Rutgers University and a Post-Master’s Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Family Institute. She completed training in the Duluth Model of domestic violence and has experience supervising interns and provisionally licensed clinicians in outpatient settings.
Terri spent substantial time managing Employee Assistance Programs and consulting with unions and human resources, which shaped her practical approach to workplace and career concerns. She has developed clinical programs and provided training and consultation to other professionals on family and couples cases.
In sessions she focuses on clear, practical steps people can try between meetings. Conversations often cover communication habits, boundaries, and navigating loyalty or role conflicts in blended households. Clients who bring issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, or relationship struggles work with her on both thinking patterns and real-life behavior changes.
Therapeutic approaches and online sessions
Terri uses a family systems framework to trace how past roles and family patterns affect current relationships. This approach helps people notice repeating patterns and consider different responses when household roles shift, such as after remarriage or when a stepparent joins the home.She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to identify and change unhelpful thoughts that feed worry, guilt, or avoidance. That method is useful for depression, anxiety, and communication problems. Motivational interviewing is another tool she draws on to help clarify goals and strengthen commitment to change, which can be helpful for issues like codependency or commitment concerns.
Deciding which combination of approaches fits best is part of the work. The therapist will review goals, preferences, and what has or hasn’t helped before, then collaborate with the client to try specific techniques and adjust as needed.
The biography does not specify session formats, so confirm the current online options before booking. Online work can make it easier to schedule appointments around work and family life, shorten routine check-ins when needed, and let conversations happen without extra travel time. These practical benefits can help a parent or stepparent fit therapy into a busy routine.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
34+ years
Listed in
New Jersey
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with relationship strain, family concerns, self-esteem, career issues, and depression. Blended family issues are listed among her additional focus areas.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
She uses a family systems framework alongside cognitive behavioral approaches, motivational interviewing, and psychoeducation. The work focuses on patterns, practical skills, and small behavior changes.
How much experience does this clinician have?
She brings 34 years of clinical experience, including work in outpatient settings and supervising clinicians. That background includes program development and professional training roles.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in New Jersey. Her training includes an MSW from Rutgers and a Post-Master's Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy.
Which languages are supported and can international clients connect?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are offered?
The biography does not specify session formats. Confirm current session options before booking to know whether sessions are remote, in-person, or both.
How does the subscription cost work?
Cost varies with location and uses a subscription model that can be canceled at any time. Specific pricing details should be confirmed during the matching process.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session. That process connects you and lets you book an initial meeting.
Online talk therapy is for adults and is not emergency care, mediation or legal advice. If you or a child are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.