Dawn Zappitelli

About Me
I was born and raised in the Fox Valley area, and have lived here my whole life. I am a committed Christian and give God the glory for helping me through the trials in my life and helping me grow through them. I have raised three daughters who are all successful adults. I have a Bachelors degree from Judson College, and my Masters Degree in Social Work was from Aurora University in 2004. I have also received training as a School Social Worker, and have been trained in childhood disorders and disabilities. I have worked at Heartland as a therapist since August of 2009, and became the owner of the new company in August of 2011. Previously  I worked in a local hospital in adolescent mental health for 2 years as a case manager, and worked for a Hospice working with grieving children and their parents for 2 ½ years.

Counseling Style
My counseling style is strengths based, that means I always try to build on positive qualities that every person has. I enjoy using experiential activities with my clients including art, play, music, games, and story telling. When working with children I find it very helpful to work with their parents, siblings, teachers, school counselors, Doctors, and pastors. I pull my theory base from Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Self Psychology, Trauma Theory, Psychodynamic, Systems, and Attachment Theory.  I tailor my work with all of my clients to their goals for treatment, and their preferences. For Marital Therapy I use an Imago Style, that utilizes the teaching of John Gottman and Harvelle Hendrix. Sometimes people can repeat patterns of behavior that have come from past hurts or lies they have believed about themselves. When these are identified, and we understand how they affect our behavior now, we can decide to change and relate to others in a better way.

Specialties
Anxiety and Depression, ADHD, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, Marriage issues, Divorce, Defiant kids and teens, Anger, Trauma, Immanuel Prayer.

Hobbies and Interests
I enjoy gardening, working out with friends, reading, painting, hanging out with my daughters, riding my bike, and playing with my dog Dallas. I also love to travel and have gone on mission trips to New Orleans and Haiti, have worked on my Church’s disaster relief ministry.

Favorites
TV: The Voice, Extreme Home Makeovers, Hawaii Five-O, Today Show, This is us.
Movies: Summers End, Big, Good Will Hunting, Courageous
Books: All of Francine Rivers’ and Jan Karon’s books, The Shepherd of the Hills, The Shack
Food: Pizza and my mom’s cherry pudding!