Dawn Novotny LCSW, MTS, CDP, CP, is a clinician, teacher, author, and workshop leader. She has had a private practice in Sequim, WA since 1987. She specializes in systems theory focusing both on the "external" (family, cultural, roles) as well as the "internal" family system (internalized roles, parts, archetypes, ego states, conflicts, etc.). As a clinical practitioner of psychodrama, sociometry and group therapy, Dawn utilizes a variety of action methods, and conducts workshops in California and Washington. She holds Master's degrees in clinical social work, and theology, and is a nationally certified psychotherapist-dramatist. Dawn completed a two-year post-graduate program in Spiritual Direction sponsored by the Jubilee Community for Justice and Peace and the Vancouver School of Theology. She has served as an adjunct professor at Seattle University and an instructor at Peninsula Community College. As a nationally certified psycho-dramatist, she completed the advanced Internal Family Systems training.
FAMILY & CHALLENGES
Dawn lives with her beloved husband of 35 years. She is the mother of three biological children, two step-children and six grandchildren. She has a wide range of experience with blended families. Additionally, she is the mother of adult twin sons, both of whom heroically struggle with developmental and psychological disabilities. Dawn has 28 years of sobriety.
HOBBIES AND FAVORITE THINGS
Racquetball, swing dancing, camping, reading, snorkeling, family, coffee with close friends, shopping, kayaking, giving and attending workshops, writing, watching movies, shopping, hanging out with her husband and trying to sort out her challenging love of quantum physics.
CANCER THRIVER
Dawn is a breast cancer "thriver" vs. survivor. She had a mastectomy in February of 2004. During her impending surgery and protracted medical treatments, which included chemotherapy and radiation, she faced health challenges that illuminated her life and deepened her commitment to Spirit and Self. This, in turn, inspired her to lead large workshops and then to write about her experiences. Her healing journey inspired her to write articles and speak to others who are undergoing such challenges. She views her writing as an important part of her outreach to survivors of childhood trauma, health challenges and women who are still searching for ways to become whole and to thrive beyond labels and past traumas.Click here to view her experience.
"And breast cancer is a dance of initiation, for no woman who dances with cancer is ever the same. She has visited the source and tasted the waters of life and death, savored the sweetness and the sharpness of her own mortality, and tasted her desire to survive.” (pg. Xiii) Breast Cancer? Breast Health! Susan S. Weed
Indeed this experience illuminated her life, deepened her commitment to Spirit and Self; healing's with loved ones and re-directed her chosen life work. Her gifts, talents, creativity, expressive art forms all culminated in her special abilities to facilitate large workshops.
SPIRITUALITY
Dawn initially aspired to be a minister. However, her personal and professional journey led her to profession in counseling. As synergy would have it, her deep and profound love of Spirit or "The Eternal Mystery" is perfectly complimented in her workshops using the Internal family System's model which posits that," Everyone has at the core, at the seat of consciousness, a Self that is different from its parts." R.C. Schwartz. For Dawn, a description of Spirit that is most in alignment with her understanding is captured in the following quote:
THE SELF
"The Self…is not born. It does not die. It is neither cause nor effect. This Ancient One is unborn, imperishable; though the body be destroyed, it is not killed…Smaller than the smallest, greater than the greatest, this Self forever dwells within the hearts of all".
The Katha Upanishad (One of India’s wisdom traditions dating back to between 1500-5000 b.c.)
Please feel free to contact Dawn for additional information
Click HERE to read some endorsements about Dawn's Workshops