Richard "Rick" Dawson, LCSW

Richard "Rick" Dawson uses practical, skills-based therapy to help people make concrete changes in their daily lives. He combines Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with other approaches to address worry, low mood, relationship strain, and addictive patterns. Rick is a licensed clinical social worker with 33 years of experience and works from Oregon.

Rick returned to practice after a pause in retirement because helping people has been his main passion. He began his counseling career in 1992 after years as a professional musician, then spent many years providing inpatient care while completing his counseling degree. Those early years shaped his ability to respond calmly in difficult moments.

He has provided individual and group work in inpatient and outpatient settings, community mental health, hospice, and private practice. For a decade he worked in an outpatient clinic inside a family medical practice in suburban Portland, Oregon. That variety of settings informed his practical approach to everyday problems.

In sessions he aims to build a collaborative relationship that focuses on problem solving and skill building. He helps people talk through stress, anxiety, depression, grief, addictions, sleep problems, and parenting challenges. He also addresses anger, self-esteem, intimacy issues, ADHD, and mood concerns.

Rick uses straightforward methods so clients can try small changes and see what helps. He emphasizes clear goals and teaches coping tools people can use between sessions. He describes therapy as a partnership where both people work toward a more rewarding life.

How CBT, DBT, and Mindfulness work in online therapy

Richard "Rick" Dawson commonly draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and test small behavior changes. CBT is useful for worries, panic, low mood, sleep problems, and anxiety. He also uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills to teach emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and clearer communication for intense feelings. Mindfulness Therapy is used to help people notice thoughts and sensations without getting swept away, which supports anxiety and stress management.

Finding the right mix of approaches is collaborative. Rick works together with each person to set goals, try different techniques, and adjust the plan based on what fits the person’s life and preferences. That process helps clients learn which tools are helpful and which need tweaking.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for busy lives. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation when schedules align. Phone sessions can be easier when bandwidth is limited or a quick check-in is needed. Live chat and text-based messaging work well for brief updates, step-by-step coaching, or ongoing support between longer sessions. These options make it simpler to keep therapy consistent while balancing work, family, and other commitments.