In the Service of Healing
Since 1997
LCSW

Healing begins
with a conversation.

A thoughtful, compassionate practice rooted in the belief that meaningful change starts with being heard.

Begin the conversation
Dawn M. Knapper, LCSW

A practice built on presence, patience, and trust.

Dawn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in New York and Virginia, with nearly three decades of service in the field of social work. Her approach is grounded in a bio-psychosocial perspective — one that honors the whole person, not just the presenting concern.

Whether working through anxiety, processing grief, untangling relationships, or finding clarity amid change, Dawn creates a space where her clients feel safe enough to be honest, and steady enough to grow. The work is collaborative, unhurried, and always tailored to the person in the room.

As a young child, I often felt unsafe — not because I was alone, but because I didn't believe I had a voice for the hurt I was carrying. As I grew older, I realized that some of the people around me would have listened, had I trusted them with my story.

That realization became the foundation of my work. I became a social worker because I wanted to be available enough to children and adults that they could feel safe enough to share their true story with someone who would take action and support them. I know firsthand what it means to have one person believe in you — to see potential you can't yet see in yourself, and to grow into the version of yourself reflected in their eyes.

At the heart of it, I am someone who wants to protect, love, and build others up — to help them live a life that is authentically theirs.

— D.K.

Therapy that meets you where you are.

i.

Assessment & Understanding

Every client is met with a careful, full-picture evaluation — looking at the biological, psychological, and social threads that shape their experience.

ii.

Psychotherapy & Counseling

Evidence-based therapeutic work focused on interpersonal dynamics, internal patterns, and the practical matters of living a meaningful life.

iii.

Advocacy & Support

Client-centered guidance that extends beyond the session — consultation, prevention, and the kind of steady partnership that real change requires.

There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. — Maya Angelou

Professional qualifications.

Clinical Licensure
LCSW — New York & Virginia NY License No. 083753 · VA License No. 0904011473
School Credentials
School Social Worker — NY & VA NYSED Permanent Certificate · VDOE Pupil Personnel Services License
NPI
1881961753 National Provider Identifier, Active
Education
Master of Social Work Accredited school of social work
Continuing Studies
Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Long Island University, Brooklyn — Fall 2026, Expected 2028
Experience
Clinical Practice since 2011 Post-masters supervised clinical experience

Let's begin a conversation.

conversations.lcsw@gmail.com
Services Telehealth available in
New York & Virginia

Response Within 1–2 business days