I didn't have the support I needed. So I became it.

If you look at my practice, it might seem like a fork in the road. I work with women navigating the chaotic shifts of midlife, and I work with parents raising neurodivergent children.

But it’s not two different paths. It’s the exact same journey.

Because trauma, hormones, and sensory overload all speak the exact same language: The Nervous System.

I know this because I’ve lived both sides of it.

When my son was three years old, I suspected he was autistic. Back then, "autism" wasn't a household word. I got highly questionable advice from doctors, faced doubt from family members, and experienced a deep, isolating confusion.

When he was finally diagnosed at age six, I realized I had to figure this out on my own. I did the research. I learned how to understand behavior and sensory needs when no one else could tell me how.

Today, he is 23, thriving, graduating from a great college, and starting his dream job.

During that exact same time, I also had a daughter with medical needs that no one seemed able to help me with. It took us 6 years and 7 doctors to finally get answers. But again, I was the one doing the research. I was the one fighting for her.

Looking back, the hardest part wasn't the diagnoses. It was the fact that the parents were completely left to fend for themselves. Even now, with more resources available for kids, parents are still standing on the outside of the circle, exhausted and unsupported.

Then came my own "Midlife Crisis."
(Except, I call it an Emergence).

In my early 40s, I was hit with crippling anxiety. I had never experienced anything like it. Not a single doctor suggested it could be perimenopause—because the medical community gets maybe an hour of training on it in med school, if they are lucky.

As my kids grew older and my home stabilized, I found myself with time on my hands and a racing mind. What do I do now? How will I get through this? Is it too late? I realized that we women spend our entire adult lives being people-pleasers. We manage everyone else’s emotions, shrink to fit expectations, and put our own needs on the back burner. Society tells us that when we hit midlife, we lose our value and disappear.

I decided I was entirely done with that narrative.

In my late 40s, I went back to school. I decided to tackle my Master's degree in counseling and a rigorous, year-long parent coaching certification at the exact same time. It was a lot, but I knew I had to be the bridge for others that I never had for myself.

Recently, I attended a conference on Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) alongside a colleague, surrounded by professionals, parents, and neurodivergent individuals.

It struck me deeply: These parents are going through the exact same things I went through 15 years ago. No one is helping them.

I am here to change that.

I decided it was time to step into the most badass version of myself, and help my clients do the same.

The Strategist in Your Corner

I am a dual-specialist. I blend the "Why" of clinical therapy with the "How" of practical coaching. I am a calming, grounded presence, but I will challenge you directly.

I see patterns, I read the energy in the room, and I rely on my trauma training to help you regulate your nervous system so you can actually enjoy your life.

There isn't much that can shock me. I am here to help you stop surviving, and start emerging.

The Official Credentials

  • M. Ed. in Counseling from George Mason University

  • MS in Business/Organizational Behavior from U of Maryland

  • BBA in International Finance and Marketing from U of Miami

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia, Georgia (and soon to be PA)

  • Parent Coach Institute (PCI) Certified Coach

  • AASECT Certified (Specialty in Sexual Assault)

  • Certified Clinical Trauma Professional

In progress: Certified Narcissistic Abuse Treatment Clinician, Somatic Experiencing, Clinical Hypnosis

When I’m Not Working

I am a self-proclaimed learning addict—I am always reading something new. I crochet, I hang out with my family, friends, and my dog. I desperately try to grow vegetables (even though I usually only end up with two zucchinis). I love the beach on a cool, cloudy day, the peacefulness of a forest walk, and the muffled silence right after a snow.

My favorite time of day is early morning when no one else is awake and the world feels still. My kids constantly make fun of my Spotify playlist, which swings violently from Tony Orlando & Dawn to Reel Big Fish, Joan Jett, and Kenny Rogers. Even Spotify's algorithm can't figure me out.

Real Stories of Emergence & Connection.

  • “Dawn helped to identify greater symptoms of hormone deficiencies and issues related to menopause, she has provided me with tools to help me manage through the ups and downs of perimenopause. Working with Dawn has provided invaluable insight into female health and solutions for my personal journey. I look forward to working with her regularly as there is always something I learn and can take into my life on a daily basis to manage my own mental health.” 

    —J.H., Therapy & Coaching for Women Client 

  • "Working with Dawn was one of the best things I could have done for myself and my family. As a single mom to three young kids (one of who has multiple diagnoses included ADHD, DMDD, and ASD), when I first met with Dawn I was beaten down. For all my trying, all I could see were the multitude of failures I felt. From day one, she opened my eyes to all the positives I was creating for my children and myself. It was as if a veil was lifted and I could finally see clearly, having never even realized my perception was skewed. I’m an analogies person so let me put it this way: when I think of my mental and emotional state before I started working with Dawn I picture a person curled up in a ball, sitting under an umbrella, in a puddle, in the pouring rain. After working with Dawn for just a few sessions I began to see myself standing upright, walking out from the puddle, and eventually realizing the rain had stopped entirely. Essentially, she helped me see the sun again after what must have been years of steady rain.” 

    —A.L., Neurodiversity-Affirming Parent Coaching 

  • “Dawn is the first person who has really taken the time to understand me holistically. Our time together is about how my mind, body, and emotions operate and we focus on tools that actually work for me in real world applications. Dawn has ignited new abilities in me that have boosted my confidence in tough situations and allowed me to love myself for who I am. Anyone who is looking for personal, lasting, and positive impact and change in their wellbeing and mental health, should consider seeing Dawn!” 

    —M., Therapy & Coaching for Women Client 

  • “Going into parent coaching sessions with Dawn Van Berkel we didn’t know what to expect...but we needed help, without realizing we did. Dawn helped us realize (pointed out actually) that we are doing a great job as parents. We are trying to adapt our lives so we all can see and enjoy beauty in this world - going out to the community, restaurants, getaways etc. She understands and coaches on how to recharge “our brain” and dive back to the routine. And she always knew how to put a smile in our faces :) She was very flexible if/when we needed to reschedule a session and never questioned it. Dawn is very knowledgeable and has a lot of experience in the field and it really shows in her work. We truly enjoyed working with her - we now know what we want our life (and a perfect day) look like and we are working towards this goal (with up and downs but never stop). We would highly recommend Dawn Van Berkel for parent coaching. Thank you Dawn!” 

     —I.P. Parent of 2 children with ASD.,Neurodiversity-Affirming Parent Coaching  

     

  • “Dawn has an intuitive and gentle process of providing new insight into my patterns, especially when it comes to interacting with those closest to me. Thanks to her- I feel more confident to handle challenges as they come my way. I highly recommend going to Dawn!” 

    —S., Therapy & Coaching for Women Client 

  • “When I first called Dawn, I wasn't sure about this whole parent-coaching concept. Could she really step into my situation and help me find a pathway forward in the midst of my child's mental health struggles? Over the course of our weekly phone calls, Dawn's insightful questions and reflective listening helped me change my perspective about my child. She helped me develop a growth mindset and practical parenting strategies that I use every day. Yes, my child's struggles are still real, and things at home are still hard. But coaching with Dawn redirected me from a path of despair and defeat to one of understanding and hope. Thank you, Dawn, for helping me grow as a person and a parent, and for encouraging me to dream big for my family.”

    —Grace V, Neurodiversity-Affirming Parent Coaching 

  • “When I first started seeing Dawn, I was in a financially and emotionally abusive relationship. My confidence level was low. I had no self-esteem left. I felt like I had hit rock bottom. Dawn listened to my story. I felt I could express my feelings without judgement. She let me guide the conversation but injected questions that lead to my own self discovery. She was compassionate and understanding, but also tough enough to get me to challenge my thoughts about myself. She helped me gain my confidence back. Dawn helped me find the courage to make changes for a better life.” 

    —Kim K., Therapy & Coaching for Women Client 

  • “My wife and I are special needs parents of two children under the age of ten.  Prior to meeting Dawn, we struggled with how to get through each day with everything we have on our plate.  Dawn helped us regain focus on what was truly important to us and it has made a huge difference! She takes the time to listen to your challenges, ideas and concerns, and offers suggestions that aren’t prescriptive in nature...and that’s a good thing!  The most effective changes we’ve made in our lives didn’t come directly from Dawn, but as a result of working with her. She helped us discover positive change through collaborative, self-reflective conversation. My wife and I highly recommend Dawn to anyone looking for help with figuring out the answer to the question “Where do I go from here?”

    —George + Kelli, Neurodiversity-Affirming Parent Coaching 

  • “Dawn, I can’t thank you enough for all the time you spent and commitment and guidance you provided in helping me in my parenting journey!!! I have learned so much, I learned that this is an ongoing journey that doesn’t come with a quick fix but rather requires ongoing effort and investment. I learned that I am always making progress by having a vested interest and making efforts towards change. You enabled me to see things from a different perspective and think outside of the box.  Thank you again for taking so much time out of your schedule and commitments to make me a priority! Thanks again”—Kristie, Neurodiversity-Affirming Parent Coaching 

  • “My coaching experience with Dawn was absolutely outstanding. Over the course of a few months she really helped me identify personal strengths -- that I had previously only applied to my professional life -- and adapt them to improve my parenting skills with my two year old. The weekly calls helped hold me accountable for the "homework" after each session, and mapping out specific goals at the beginning of the process was a big key to my success. I feel like in the last few months I've gone from a frazzled parent with little patience who yells too much, to a much calmer and more confident mother (and wife and employee!) While not always perfect, our day to day life has definitely become smoother and I think our whole family feels the positive difference. It was also really helpful that Dawn wrote out and emailed session recaps after each call, so I didn't have to furiously take notes while we were on the phone, and I had a reminder of what to think about and focus on for the next session. All in all I gotta say, while I was a bit skeptical at first about how much of an impact this coaching would have, it's made an enormous difference and I highly recommend Dawn! THANK YOU AGAIN!!!!”

    —Eleanor, Neurodiversity-Affirming Parent Coaching

Ready to stop surviving and start emerging?

Whether you are navigating a new diagnosis or a new life chapter, you don't have to do it without a map. Let's look at the patterns, find the root, and build a strategy to get you back to yourself.

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