Dawn Shaffer, M.A., LLPC*
About Dawn
Dawn is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor with a medical background, integrating clinical knowledge and compassionate care into her practice. She is passionate about supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, burdened by depression, navigating ADHD, or affected by complex childhood trauma.
Dawn specializes in helping clients transition from survival mode to a state of clarity, confidence, and emotional stability.
She employs an integrative, evidence-based approach that incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), attachment-informed techniques, and trauma-informed care. Dawn assists clients in understanding how past experiences influence current challenges while providing practical tools to help regulate emotions, strengthen boundaries, and rebuild self-trust. Her therapeutic style is both compassionate and structured, rooted in the belief that healing occurs when clients feel safe to explore their feelings and empowered to grow. Additionally, Dawn has received training through the Kent County Sheriff’s Department as a victim advocate and has specialized training in treating complex trauma.
Contact Dawn: 616-773-2908 ext 127
EMAIL: dawn.shaffer@ihcwestmichigan.com
*Supervised by a Licensed Professional Counselor
Education
B. S. in Psychology - Cornerstone University, 2017
M. A. in Counseling - Cornerstone University, 2022
Therapeutic Approaches
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Attachment Theory
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Trauma-Informed Care
Treatment Interests
Individual Psychotherapy for adolescents, young adults, adults, and senior adults
Anxiety & Chronic Worry
ADHD
Attachment Patterns
Boundary Setting
Chronic Illness
Communication Skills
Complex Childhood Trauma
Coping Strategies
Depression & Emotional exhaustion
Grief & Loss
Life Transitions
Relationship challenges, including infidelity & divorce
Self-Esteem Growth
Stress Management