Michelle Dawson, LPCC, therapist at Authentic Connections Counseling, Castle Rock, CO.

Michelle Dawson, MA, LPCC

In-person and Online Therapist in Castle Rock, CO

Therapy Specialties:

Hi, I’m Michelle! I work with individuals and couples who are ready for real change—not just better coping, but a life and relationship that actually feels meaningful and connected.

Something feels off in your relationship, in yourself, or both. Maybe you and your partner keep having the same argument without resolution, or maybe you’re quietly wondering if this is as good as it gets. Underneath that restlessness is often a deeper longing. To know and be truly known, to love and feel genuinely loved in return.

You have more dignity, value, and worth than you may currently believe, and if you’re ready to do the work, I’d be honored to walk that road with you.

How I Can Help You

When we work together, my hope is that you will feel genuinely safe, heard, and believed from the very start. I practice authentic and active listening—not just waiting for my turn to speak, but truly seeking to understand your story. Together, we’ll navigate challenges around identity and trust so that your emotional well-being can grow stronger.

One of the things I focus on most is helping you move from reactivity to responsiveness. So much pain in our lives and relationships comes from patterns we haven’t yet seen clearly. I’ll help bring structure and language to your story so that those patterns come into the light, and so you can begin making choices that lead to the life and relationships you actually want.

Check Out Michelle Dawson’s Video

What I Love About Being a Therapist

Being a therapist is, for me, a sacred opportunity. To be invited into someone’s story—to sit with them, help bring clarity, and walk alongside them toward understanding—is one of the greatest privileges I can imagine.

I see every person I work with as uniquely created and of immeasurable worth, and I love helping people begin to see that in themselves.

Honestly, I just love people. And I love the kind of genuine connection that this work makes possible.

How I See Myself as a Therapist

I see myself as someone invited onto your journey—not as the expert with all the answers, but as a companion helping you understand your past and how it has shaped the way you see yourself and your relationships.

My goal is always to walk with you toward empowerment: equipping you to make meaningful changes, build resilience, and create a life and relationships that bring real satisfaction and joy. I want you to leave our work together more capable, more grounded, and more free.

Colorado mountains landscape view.

What Makes Me Unique as a Therapist?

I bring an integrative, attachment-based approach to therapy, which means I tailor my methods to what you actually need rather than fitting you into a single framework.

I am trained in Restoration Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and am a Gottman Certified Level 1 therapist and a recognized Smart Stepfamily Therapy Provider. My approach is trauma-focused and strength-based, and I offer Christian counseling integration for those who desire it.

Education and Professional Background

  • Licensed Professional Clinical Candidate (LPCC), Colorado — Licensed July 2022
  • Master of Arts, Clinical Psychology | Marriage & Family Therapy — Azusa Pacific University
  • Bachelor of Arts — Biola University
  • Gottman Certified, Level 1
  • Restoration Therapy Certified, Level 1
  • Recognized Smart Stepfamily Therapy Provider

What My Clients Say

Those I’ve had the privilege of working with have shared that they felt genuinely seen and cared for, that I brought real empathy and curiosity to their story.

They’ve described feeling able to build trust and comfort in our sessions, and many have said they left our work together feeling more empowered in their lives and relationships. That is exactly what I hope for every person who walks through the door.

Hobbies & Fun Facts

Until July 2023, I had lived my entire life in the same county. Then I relocated to Colorado with two of my children and four grandchildren. It was a big, beautiful, brave move, and I haven’t looked back.

I recently bought my first mountain bike and can’t wait to hit some trails (no jumps, no tricks—just the beauty of it).

I cook a lot, mostly because I love to eat. I also love reading, and Pride and Prejudice is never far from my nightstand.

Contact Us

Ready to take the first step?

To book your first appointment with Michelle Dawson, please contact us here: