Blog Authors for The Dawn Rehab Thailand
The journey of healing is both universal and deeply personal
Through our writing and clinical work, we illuminate the paths others might follow
Academic Foundation
- Bachelor of Applied Social Science (Counselling) from Australian College of
Applied Psychology - Post Graduate Diploma in Couples and Family Therapy from Relationships
Australia - Certificate in Crisis Support Worker (Lifeline)
- Accredited Mental Health First Aid Practitioner
- Specialised certification in Domestic/Family Violence support
- Certified practitioner for Interventions for Children with Trauma and Anxiety
Professional Affiliations
- Member: Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
- Change Management Institute of Australia
- ProSci and Change Management Learning Centre
Clinical Focus Areas
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Couples and Family Intervention
- Crisis Support and Intervention
- Clinical Programme Development
Professional Journey
Helen’s path to clinical leadership reflects a unique blend of corporate excellence and therapeutic expertise. Her journey embodies the understanding that mental wellness requires both a systematic approach and human compassion.
As the Clinical Director at The Dawn, Helen leads the development and implementation of evidence-based treatment programs, bringing clinical excellence to a culturally diverse clientele. Her role combines strategic oversight with hands-on therapeutic work, ensuring high-quality care delivery while maintaining a deep connection with client needs.
Prior to her directorship, she served as a Trauma, Mental Health & AOD Psychotherapist at The Dawn, where she specialized in trauma-informed care. Her approach integrates mental health, addiction recovery, and trauma treatment.
Professional Insights
"Through both clinical practice and professional writing, I strive to illuminate the paths toward mental wellness, recognising that each person's journey through mental health challenges carries its own wisdom and needs. Our role as mental health professionals is to provide not just treatment, but understanding, guidance, and hope for those seeking to rebuild their lives and strengthen their mental wellbeing.
My work explores the intricate landscape of mental health recovery, where each individual's journey requires a unique blend of clinical expertise and human understanding. Through evidence-based therapeutic approaches, we create pathways for healing that acknowledge both the complexity of mental health challenges and the profound capacity for human resilience.
There are times when we need explanation and understanding about what is occurring in our lives or direction as to where we are heading. Using a holistic approach assists clients to look at their life from both a broad and detailed perspective – from their formative years to their present. It supports them to heal, strengthen and grow towards living their best life.
My focus has been on transforming traditional mental health treatment into more nuanced, person-centred care. This evolution reflects our growing understanding of how mental health intersects with trauma, personal history, and cultural background. Modern mental health care requires us to create therapeutic environments where healing can flourish in its many forms."
Helen has been featured in
Academic Foundation
- Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center)
- Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Psychology (Columbia University)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Salutatorian (Louisiana State University Medical Center)
Professional Affiliations
- American Psychological Association and Division 39
- American Psychoanalytic Association
- International Psychoanalytic Association
- Board of Directors, Little Guild
Clinical Focus Areas
- Interpersonal Psychoanalysis
- Mood Disorders
- Treating High Functioning professional
- Workplace Stress & Anxiety
Professional Journey
Albert’s path reflects a distinctive blend of clinical practice and academic leadership. With two decades of experience in both inpatient and outpatient care, he has served at prestigious institutions including the William Alanson White Institute and Columbia University Medical Center. He specializes in treating mood disorders, with expertise in depression and anxiety.
Professional Insights
"Drawing from almost two decades of clinical experience, my focus has been on developing approaches that specifically address the unique mental health needs of professionals in demanding fields. This work reflects our growing understanding of how workplace stress, personal growth, and mental health intersect in today's fast-paced professional environment.
In my work with technology industry professionals and other high-achieving individuals, I've observed that success and personal fulfillment often hinge on the delicate balance between professional excellence and emotional wellbeing. Through long-term interpersonal psychotherapy, we create space for both self-discovery and practical skill development, addressing everything from workplace dynamics to deeper personal challenges.
I believe that people, through the enhancement of their own capacities, may more fully cope with the problems of living and the challenges of simply being human."
Academic Foundation
- Master’s Degree in Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice (Bath Spa University)
- First Class BSc Honours in Addictions Counselling (Bath University)
- Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
- Certified Dialectical Behaviour Therapist (C-DBT)
- Certified EMDR and Attachment Focused Therapist (EMDR International Association)
Professional Affiliations
- Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals (FDAP)
Clinical Focus Areas
- Complex Addiction Treatment
- Dual Diagnosis & Co-occurring Disorders
- Trauma-Informed Therapy
- Family Systems in Addiction Recovery
- Attachment-Focused EMDR
Professional Journey
Having worked across the full spectrum of addiction treatment for almost two decades – from detox units to primary care, secondary care, and aftercare – Alan developed a deep understanding of the recovery journey at every stage. His comprehensive experience shaped his holistic approach to treatment, ensuring that each client receives the right support at the right time.
Professional Insights
"With almost two decades of experience in addiction treatment and trauma recovery, I have witnessed the profound impact of truly personalised care. Addiction recovery isn't just about addressing substance use – it's about understanding the whole person, their trauma, their struggles, and their potential for healing and growth.
I came to The Dawn because I got disillusioned working in large rehabs in the UK that didn't seem to care or have time for people. Here, The Dawn is a small, tranquil, very person-centered facility with a relaxed, caring, holistic, and personalised approach. The staff really do care about and have time for people here. I feel honoured to be working amongst such a knowledgeable, experienced, and compassionate multidisciplinary team.
My approach combines evidence-based addiction treatment with sophisticated trauma therapy, including Attachment Focused EMDR. This integration reflects a crucial understanding: that sustainable recovery requires addressing both the presenting symptoms of addiction and its underlying causes. Through careful attention to each client's unique needs, we create individualized pathways to recovery that honour both their challenges and their strengths."
Previous Authors for The Dawn Rehab’s Blog
John Smith
SUD Therapist
Clinical Focus Areas
- Addiction Treatment
- Clinical Program Development
- Crisis Intervention
- Recovery Coaching
John is an internationally accredited substance use disorder professional with over 10 years of experience in addiction treatment and mental health counselling. As a previous contributor and SUD therapist at The Dawn, he brought extensive expertise in clinical program development and therapeutic care.
With a background spanning both educational and clinical settings, John has developed comprehensive treatment methodologies while maintaining active involvement in public education through lectures, seminars, and media appearances focused on recovery and personal development.
Alexandria Barley
Senior Therapist
Clinical Focus Areas
- Co-occurring Disorders
- Depression, Stress, Anxiety
- Borderline Personality Disorder and Narcissistic Personality Disorder
- Victims of Abuse
Alexandria Barley is an internationally accredited addiction treatment professional with certification from IC&RC. With over 15 years of experience across prestigious treatment centres in South Africa, the UK, and Thailand, she brings comprehensive expertise in addiction and mental health counselling.
Having progressed from her early career at Tharagay in Cape Town to senior positions at Castle Craig Scotland, she has demonstrated consistent growth in clinical leadership and program development. Alexandria combines her extensive therapeutic experience with an MBA education to deliver evidence-based treatment approaches.
