Supporting Indigenous Youth & Adults.
Your story matters.
Finding someone to talk to isn't always easy.
Maybe you've had experiences that are difficult to explain to someone who hasn't lived them. Maybe you're trying to understand your identity, reconnect with your culture, or make sense of experiences that have shaped your family.
Or perhaps you're simply feeling stuck, overwhelmed, angry, disconnected, or unsure of where you're headed.
Whatever brings you here, you deserve a space where you can show up as yourself without feeling that you need to explain every part of who you are.
At Dawn Therapy & Wellness Centre, we're an Indigenous-owned psychotherapy practice committed to making mental health support feel approachable, respectful, and grounded in genuine human connection. Our Director and Owner, Jesse Dale, is a proud Member of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.
We work with Indigenous youth, young adults, adults, and families navigating life's challenges, questions of identity, relationships, and the experiences that shape who we are.
You don't have to leave part of yourself at the door to get support.
A personal connection.
Dawn Therapy & Wellness Centre was built on the belief that people deserve to be understood as whole human beings, not reduced to their struggles or defined by their past.
For Jesse Dale, the owner and Co-Director of Dawn, that belief is shaped by both his professional training and his own lived experience.
Jesse and his family are members of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. As an Indigenous therapist, he understands the importance of creating spaces where people can explore their experiences, identity, and mental health without feeling that they need to fit into someone else's expectations.
His own experiences growing up feeling lost and unsure of where he belonged have also shaped how he approaches this work. He knows how meaningful it can be to have someone genuinely listen, without judgment or the expectation that you should already have everything figured out.
Today, Jesse brings that perspective into his work with Indigenous youth, young men, and adults who may be navigating questions of identity, anger, anxiety, relationships, cultural connection, or their place in the world.
His approach is grounded in curiosity, storytelling, practical tools, and the belief that people have the capacity to find new ways forward when they feel supported rather than judged.
For Jesse, therapy isn't about fixing someone. It's about walking alongside them as they figure out their own path.
Our Approach
Support that recognizes the bigger picture.
Indigenous experiences are diverse. Every community, family, and individual has their own history, strengths, relationships, and ways of understanding the world. There is no single way to be Indigenous, and there is no single approach to mental health that will work for everyone. At Dawn, we make space for the experiences that matter to you.
We work with Indigenous individuals and families who may be navigating:
Identity and belonging
Exploring who you are, where you come from, and how different parts of your identity fit together.
Cultural connection
Thinking through your relationship with culture, community, family, traditions, or reconnecting with aspects of your heritage.
Intergenerational experiences
Exploring how family histories, relationships, and experiences across generations may influence your own life today.
Anger and emotional overwhelm
Understanding difficult emotions, recognizing patterns, and developing practical ways to respond when things feel like too much.
Anxiety and depression
Working through worry, low mood, disconnection, or the feeling that you're struggling to find your footing.
Family relationships
Navigating communication difficulties, parent-teen conflict, boundaries, and the challenges of maintaining important relationships.
Purpose and direction
Working through uncertainty about your future, feeling stuck, or trying to understand what matters to you.
Life transitions
Making sense of changes in relationships, education, work, family circumstances, or your sense of self.
You don't need to identify with any particular concern to reach out. Sometimes, knowing that something doesn't feel right is enough of a place to start.
Real conversations.
Practical support.
Room to be yourself.
We understand that traditional therapy isn't everyone's idea of a comfortable place to start.
You might not want to sit in a room and talk about your feelings for an hour. You might not know how to explain what's happening. Or you might have tried talking to people before and felt that nothing really changed.
That's okay.
At Dawn, we believe meaningful therapy starts with a genuine connection.
Our approach combines conversation, reflection, and practical strategies tailored to your individual needs.
Depending on what brings you to therapy, we may work together to:
Make sense of experiences that continue to affect you.
Recognize patterns in your thoughts, emotions, and relationships.
Develop strategies for managing anxiety, stress, and anger.
Explore questions of identity, belonging, and purpose.
Improve communication and navigate family relationships.
Build confidence in your ability to handle difficult situations.
Identify meaningful changes that feel realistic for your life.
We may draw on approaches such as narrative therapy, cognitive-behavioural therapy, and other therapeutic methods, depending on your needs and goals.
But above all, the work is collaborative.
You bring your experiences, knowledge of your own life, and ideas about what you want to change. We bring professional training, a supportive relationship, and tools to help you explore the possibilities.
This is your story. You get a say in where it goes next.
FAQ of Indigenous clients:
Do I have to be First Nations to access therapy at Dawn?
No. Dawn is an Indigenous-owned practice that welcomes clients from diverse backgrounds. This page highlights our commitment to culturally informed support for Indigenous individuals and families, but our services are not limited to Indigenous clients.
Does Jesse work specifically with Indigenous youth?
Jesse is a member of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation and has a particular interest in supporting Indigenous youth and young men. He works with young people navigating concerns such as anger, anxiety, identity, emotional overwhelm, and questions about their future.
Do you provide traditional Indigenous healing practices?
Our services focus on psychotherapy and culturally informed mental health support. If incorporating cultural connection into therapy is important to you, we can discuss your goals and explore what is appropriate within the scope of our services. We do not assume that every Indigenous client wants the same approach.
Can I use NIHB to pay for therapy?
Eligible First Nations and Inuit clients may have access to coverage through NIHB, subject to the program's requirements. Dawn does not currently offer direct billing, so clients should confirm coverage and reimbursement arrangements before booking. See below for more details!
Do you offer Indigenous youth counselling in Oshawa?
Dawn offers in-person services in Oshawa and Port Perry, as well as virtual appointments across Ontario. The most appropriate therapist and location will depend on the client's age, needs, and availability.
What if I'm not sure what I need help with?
That's completely okay. You don't need to have a diagnosis or a clear explanation of what's happening before reaching out. An initial conversation can help you explore whether our services might be a good fit.
The Non-Insured Health Benefits Program
Steps to Access NIHB:
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Most Indigenous people with “Indian Status” are eligible to receive reimbursement for approximately 22 sessions per year. Contact the Ontario NIHB office at 1-800-640-0642 to confirm your eligibility. You can also visit NIHB’s website HERE to learn more.
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Reach out to us to begin therapy and let us know you’re using the NIHB program. Attend your therapy session and make your payment to us. We aren’t able to offer direct-billing at this time.
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Submit your therapy receipt to NIHB using their Express Scripts platform. Not sure how? We can give you a tutorial! Psst... make sure your direct deposit info is set up on your account so you get reimbursed by NIHB faster!
Indigenous mental health support in Durham Region and across Ontario.
Dawn Therapy & Wellness Centre is an Indigenous-owned psychotherapy practice with our main office located on the territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation in Port Perry, Ontario. We offer in-person therapy at our offices in Port Perry and Oshawa, Ontario, as well as virtual appointments across Ontario, subject to clinical suitability and availability.
Our approach is grounded in connection, respect, and the understanding that people deserve support that reflects their individual experiences.
Whether you're an Indigenous young person trying to understand yourself, a parent looking for support for your child, or an adult navigating a difficult season of life, we're happy to talk with you about what you're looking for.
You don't need a referral to reach out.
And you don't need to know exactly what to say.
Sometimes, starting with a conversation is enough.
Let’s Talk
Not sure where to begin? That’s okay. We’ll help you take the first step.
We know reaching out can feel like a big step. Use the form below to ask a question, book a free consult, or just say hi. We’ll get back to you within 2 business days.
We offer evenings and weekends!
Tuesday 1–7 p.m
Wednesday 1–7 p.m
Thursday 12:45–7 p.m
Friday 11 a.m.–5 p.m
Saturday 11 a.m.–5 p.m
(289) 943-7095
Port Perry Office: 22250 Island Rd, Port Perry ON L9L 1B6
Aazhaway (Oshawa) Office: 41 Warren Ave, Oshawa ON L1J 4G1