Dawn Spicer
Brea,CA
Summary
Empathetic and skilled counseling professional with direct experience in crisis response, suicide prevention, and therapeutic support. Committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive care. Strong background in risk assessment, client safety planning, and follow-up services, with demonstrated excellence in documentation and interagency collaboration. Passionate about supporting underserved communities and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable mental health ecosystem. Compassionate Marriage and Family Therapist with background in providing support to individuals, couples, and families facing diverse relationship issues. Skilled in employing evidence-based therapies tailored to meet unique client needs while fostering an environment of trust and confidentiality. Demonstrated strength in crisis intervention and conflict resolution, positively impacting client well-being and relationship dynamics through constructive communication strategies and empathy-driven counseling.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
High Hopes Counseling
Fullerton, CA
03.2025 - Current
- Conduct comprehensive intake assessments and clinical evaluations to determine treatment needs and diagnosis.
- Provide individual and family therapy using CBT, mindfulness, and strength-based approaches.
- Develop and adjust treatment plans in collaboration with clinical supervisors and interdisciplinary teams.
- Facilitate crisis intervention sessions and safety plans for clients in high-risk situations.
- Coordinate referrals and community resources to ensure continuity of care.
- Maintain accurate documentation in compliance with HIPAA and ethical standards.
- Lead psychoeducational workshops and outreach events on mental health awareness.
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Barefoot Counseling Group
Fullerton, CA
03.2025 - Current
- Conducted individual and family therapy sessions for diverse client populations.
- Developed tailored treatment plans to address specific client needs and goals.
- Utilized evidence-based therapeutic techniques to facilitate effective communication.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate comprehensive care strategies.
- Provided crisis intervention and support during high-stress situations.
- Educated clients on coping mechanisms and mental health resources available.
- Maintained accurate documentation of client progress and therapeutic interventions.
- Provided crisis intervention services when needed.
- Developed individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems.
- Monitored client progress by creating measurable goals and objectives in each session.
- Provided evidence-based psychotherapy to individuals, couples and families.
- Conducted assessments of clients to determine the most appropriate course of action.
- Utilized a variety of therapeutic approaches, such as narrative, solution-focused, person-centered, and dialectical behavior therapy, depending on the individual needs of the client.
- Encouraged clients to explore new ways of thinking about their problems through cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
Behavior Technician
Patterns Behavioral Services
Brea, CA
09.2021 - Current
- Implement individualized behavior intervention plans (BIPs) under BCBA supervision.
- Use ABA strategies to teach functional communication and adaptive behaviors.
- Track and report behavioral data to support treatment adjustments.
- Collaborate with families and clinical teams for skill generalization.
- Apply crisis management and de-escalation techniques when necessary.
- Participate in staff training and supervision to enhance service delivery.
ABA Instructional Assistant
Ocean View School District
Huntington Beach, CA
03.2018 - 08.2021
- Supported students with IEPs through academic and behavioral interventions.
- Collected and maintained data to monitor progress and inform IEP goals.
- Collaborated with teachers, psychologists, and SLPs to adapt learning plans.
- Used ABA techniques such as discrete trial training and positive reinforcement.
- Assisted in managing classroom transitions and social-emotional learning.
Education
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
National University
San Diego, CA01.2025
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Studies
Cal Poly Pomona
Pomona, CA01.2022
Skills
- Safety planning and crisis triage
- CBT
- Mindfulness
- Trauma-informed interventions
- Client follow-up and care coordination
- Electronic health records (EHR)
- Documentation
- Interdisciplinary collaboration
- HIPAA compliance
- Microsoft Office
- Data systems
- Customer service
- Spreadsheets
- Person-centered care
- Data tracking and reporting
- Behavioral intervention strategies
- Conflict resolution
- Critical thinking
- Motivational interviewing
- Dialectical behavior therapy
Timeline
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
High Hopes Counseling
03.2025 - Current
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist
Barefoot Counseling Group
03.2025 - Current
Behavior Technician
Patterns Behavioral Services
09.2021 - Current
ABA Instructional Assistant
Ocean View School District
03.2018 - 08.2021
Master of Arts - Counseling Psychology
National University
Bachelor of Arts - Early Childhood Studies
Cal Poly Pomona