Jennifer Dawson, MSW

She/Her

Substance Use & Parenting Therapist

Are you drinking more than you’d like, or wondering what it would feel like to have a healthier relationship with alcohol? Do you sometimes worry about dependency — on alcohol, substances, or even coping patterns that no longer serve you — and feel unsure how to make changes on your own? Have you been carrying grief — not only from the loss of someone you love, but also from the loss of the future you imagined, the role they played in your life, or even your own sense of identity? Are you navigating the impact of illness, death, or major life changes and finding it hard to feel grounded?

Do you feel the weight of parenting — the pressure to show up for your children while still wrestling with your own stress, pain, or unhealed trauma? Do you ever notice how your past experiences affect the way you parent and wish you had more space, tools, and support to break old patterns and respond differently?

Do you long for a space where you can share your story without judgment, where your struggles are met with empathy instead of shame? Do you want to feel more at peace with your choices, more supported in your grief, more confident as a parent, and more hopeful about the path ahead?

My Story

I believe healing begins with honesty, compassion, and connection. I know how powerful it can be to have someone walk beside you when the path feels heavy or uncertain. That’s why I strive to meet each client exactly where they are, offering a safe, supportive space without judgment.

I enjoy working with adults and families, especially those navigating changes in their relationship with alcohol, coping with grief in all its forms, or adjusting to the impact of illness and major life transitions. I also understand the complexities of parenting — how overwhelming it can feel to raise children while managing your own stress, and how unhealed trauma can sometimes shape the way we show up as parents. Together, we can explore these patterns with curiosity and compassion, building healthier ways of connecting with your children while also caring for yourself.

My approach is both strengths-based and solution-focused. That means we won’t only focus on what feels broken or difficult — we’ll also look closely at the skills, values, and inner resources you already carry. Together, we’ll identify what’s working for you, however small, and use that as a foundation for growth. Solution-focused therapy is about creating realistic, actionable steps that fit your life, so progress feels doable rather than overwhelming.

Sessions with me are supportive, judgment-free, down-to-earth, and collaborative. Sometimes it’s deeply reflective, and other times it may hold space for humor or lightness — because healing can carry both pain and possibility. My role is not to hand you answers, but to walk alongside you, helping you discover and strengthen the tools you already have to move forward.

Fun facts about me:

1. I have a pet pig named Mabel who has more personality that most people I know. She's very sassy and loves all snacks except green peppers.

2. I love hiking and have explored most of the trails around the Atlanta metro area. My favorite is East Palisades because of the beautiful views of the Chattahoochee. Being outside helps me recharge!

3. I love the Beach Boys and truly believe they’re one of the most underrated bands of their time. Their upbeat sounds almost never fail to lift my mood.

Treatment Modalities

Geek Therapy
S.A.F.E. EMDR - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
IFS - Internalized Family Systems
Person-Centered Therapy
TF - CBT - Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Service Fees

New Client Phone Consultation (15 minutes): Free
Individual Therapy: $100 per session
Group Therapy Sessions: $30 per session

Training and Certification

Dalton State College – Bachelor of Social Work, Minor in Psychology
Kennesaw State University – Master of Social Work, Clinical Specialization
Moral Reconation Therapy Certified

Insurance Information

Currently not accepting insurance
Sliding Scale: Available at therapist's discretion

Contact Jennifer

Please contact me for my availability.

I prefer to schedule with my clients directly, so that I can ensure that our session meets your needs. Please text or call me at the number listed.

jennifer@havehearttherapy.com

678-653-0741

I see clients via teletherapy or in the office on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays