Teresa 'Terri" Dawe

Teresa "Terri" Dawe, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New Jersey with 34 years of experience. She works with adults facing relationship and family concerns, self-esteem struggles, career questions, depression, and related issues such as blended family challenges and codependency. Terri also addresses workplace problems, isolation, and concerns around life purpose.

Terri takes a family systems perspective to help people see how their history shapes present relationships and choices. She uses cognitive behavioral techniques to shift unhelpful thinking and motivational interviewing to clarify goals and increase readiness for change. Psychoeducation is part of her approach, offering practical information about symptoms and relational patterns.

Her background includes an MSW from Rutgers University and a Post Master’s Certificate Program in Marriage and Family Therapy from the Family Institute. She has experience in outpatient clinics, supervising interns and clinicians working toward licensure, and developing clinical programs in administrative roles.

Terri spent 16 years managing Employee Assistance Programs, consulting with unions and human resources, and providing training and consultation to other professionals on family and couples cases. She has worked with people experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, and mood disorders.

In sessions she blends systems thinking with practical tools to help people notice patterns, try different behaviors, and evaluate results. Sessions typically include discussion, skills practice, and educational material aimed at clearer decision making and improved relationships.

How therapeutic methods translate to online work

Terri combines family systems thinking with cognitive behavioral techniques. Family systems work looks at how family roles and past interactions affect current choices and relationships, which can help when decisions feel stuck or repetitive. Cognitive behavioral work focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and testing new behaviors to reduce distress and improve decision making.

She also uses motivational interviewing and psychoeducation. Motivational interviewing helps clarify what matters most and increases readiness to try changes. Psychoeducation provides clear information about symptoms and relationship patterns so people know what to expect as they try different approaches. Choosing the right combination of methods is part of the work together; the therapist will help decide what fits a person's goals and preferences.

Confirm session formats before booking because the biography does not list specific options. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy week, shorten the time spent traveling, or allow for a quicker check-in when circumstances call for it. In a collaborative process, Terri will recommend practical next steps and adjustments so sessions match daily life and the goals people bring to therapy.