About – Saranah Counseling

I understand this world — because I've lived it, and because I've worked in it.

I’m Diane Dawson. I started Saranah Counseling because I believe caregivers deserve care too.

I won't judge you, wherever you are right now
I'll help you find words for what you're carrying, even when it's hard to explain
I'll teach you real skills to cope with a hard situation that isn't going away
I'll help you find places where you can set boundaries, even if it feels impossible right now
I'll work with your real life — not a one-size-fits-all idea of "caregiver burnout"
I'll make room for grief, tiredness, guilt, and love — because you can feel all of these at once
I'll make room for grief, tiredness, guilt, and love — because you can feel all of these at once

your free 15-minute consultation today and let's talk through what's going on and whether we're the right fit. Your story isn't finished.

My Connection to This Work

This work is close to my heart. I helped care for my grandmother when she had Alzheimer’s. I watched her change, and I felt grief long before she passed away. I also raised a child with special needs. I know what it’s like to fight for your child, feel sad in quiet moments, and love your child with your whole heart — sometimes all at once.

I’ve also worked for many years in hospice care and with people who have disabilities. I’ve sat with people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. I’ve also supported the caregivers and workers who care for them.

Because of what I’ve lived through and what I’ve seen in my work, I understand this world in more than one way. This matters a lot to me, and it’s a big part of why I do this work.

My Background

I have a college degree in Liberal Arts with special training in Gerontology (the study of aging) from Duquesne University (1997). I also have a Master’s degree in Social Work from Bryn Mawr College (2002). I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Pennsylvania since 2008. I also have an advanced certificate in Hospice and Palliative Social Work.

I’ve completed training in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) through Jefferson Health. I am also finishing a certificate in Developmental Disabilities through Rutgers University.

Over the years, I’ve worked in community mental health, home care, hospice care, and with people who have spinal cord injuries. I also worked with the Veterans Health Administration, where I learned a lot about the needs of older veterans and their families. I’ve worked with people with disabilities of all ages, and with parents of children with special needs — helping them deal with feelings and figure out complicated medical and school systems. Most recently, I worked as a medical social worker, helping older adults and their caregivers.

I bring both my training and my real-life experience to this work.

My Approach

My job is not to fix your situation. A lot of the time, I can’t — the diagnosis won’t go away, the caregiving won’t end, the illness won’t get better. What I can do is help you feel relief, feel connected to others, and even feel joy — while still living your real life.

That means I’ll teach you ways to cope, even when the hard parts don’t go away. It also means something very practical: I’ll help you figure out where you can set limits, put yourself first sometimes, and say “no” — even when it feels like you can’t.

I use a mix of therapy methods: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), humanistic therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness. I use practical tools, and I also care deeply about your feelings and your pace.

Here’s what that looks like:

A Session With Diane...

Meets you where you are — no judgment, no pressure to have it figured out, just a space to slow down and be honest about what you're carrying
Draws on 25+ years of clinical experience — including deep expertise in chronic illness, grief, caregiver burnout, and disability-related family stress
Feels warm, not clinical — Diane's approach is collaborative and compassionate, blending Narrative Therapy, CBT, mindfulness, and strengths-based work tailored to you, not a script
Looks at the whole picture — biological, social, and spiritual, so you leave with real tools, not just a diagnosis
Is a step toward not doing it alone anymore — whether that's untangling grief, rebuilding self-esteem, or navigating a life transition you didn't see coming

Self Payment

I offer self payment rate of $150 for a fifty minute session.

Insurance

I am in network with Medicare Part B

I am pending network approval for the following insurance payors

– Independence Blue Cross/Blue Shield

– Aetna

I am able to provide the necessary billing documentation for submission of out of network reimbursement.

Cancellation / No Show Policy

Any appointment not cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled session will be subject to a $75 fee. Three or more missed appointments will result in discharge from services.