Dawn Sowell, MS, PCLC

Hello! I’m Dawn.

Dawn Sowell

I am honored to join you on your journey to wellness. You deserve it, and I am here as a non-judgmental and accepting companion while you navigate the sometimes-difficult path of change, self-discovery, and self-creation.

After growing up in Gallatin Gateway and completing high school in Bozeman, I graduated from Montana State University in May 2005 with a BS in Health & Human Development- Family Science. In May 2023, I again graduated from MSU with my master’s degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling, and also work with individuals. 

Prior to that, I worked in early childhood and elementary education for 16 years until I realized it was time to fulfill my passion of working with people in a different way. I am currently a licensed PCLC in the state of Montana and working under the supervision of Kathryn Bowen, LCPC and Jill Thorngren, LCPC and LMFT.

My counseling philosophy is rooted in exploration and processing of all aspects of a client’s unique direct and emotional experiences throughout the lifespan. I like to think of counseling as a “recycling” process; we can examine and process experiences in new or different ways in a safe and trusting environment to increase empowerment, produce fresh perspectives and behaviors, and gain a better sense of self.

Establishing a safe and trusting environment is my ultimate goal, and we can do this by embracing our humanness. Let’s be genuine as you discover the path to wellness in your own unique way. I trust you as the expert of your own life, and seek to gain a deep understanding of your experiences and needs. I lead with empathy, warmth, and curiosity as I support client’s development of self-trust, self-esteem, a sense of purpose, and enhanced emotional vulnerability with self and others.

When I am not wearing my counselor hat, I am enjoying other activities of varying intensity from backpacking to couch-potatoing. I find solace and strength in nature, and enjoy moments of awe daily when appreciating the beauty and power of the natural world around us. I am most often found at the river’s edge with my old dog, foraging for mushrooms and berries, listening to music, huffing and puffing up a trail, reading a good book, soaking at hot springs, re-watching LOTR…again, and laughing, playing, talking, and eating with my partner, friends, and family.

Please reach out, and I look forward to meeting you!

Modalities:

  • Person Centered Therapy

  • Somatic Therapy

  • Internal Family Systems

  • Neuro-Psychotherapy (Brain & Nervous System Based)

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Sand-Tray Therapy

Specialties:

  • Trauma

  • Grief & Loss

  • Family Dynamics

  • Depression

  • Relationships

  • Anxiety 

  • Life Transitions

  • Women’s Issues

Education:

  • Undergraduate – BS in Health & Human Development, Family Science, Montana State University

  • Graduate Degree - MS in Mental Health Counseling, Montana State University

License:

  • Montana BBH-PCLC-LIC-63603