Real Therapy for Real People
Psychotherapy for children, youth, and adults in Durham Region and virtually across Ontario.
Specializing in support for boys, young men, and Indigenous youth.
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Parenting a teen who’s struggling?
Watching your child pull away and wondering where you went wrong?
Feeling like things are getting worse—and fast?
We get it. You’re doing your best. But sometimes, the best thing you can do is bring in someone who understands.
At Dawn Therapy & Wellness Centre, we work with young people who feel lost, angry, disconnected, or just “off.” We support families who are trying to reconnect, communicate, and move forward with their children. We offer a person-centred, casual, and real approach for adults who are wanting to process something, but are hesitant about therapy.
You don’t need to be in crisis. You just need to start.
Connect with us today - click here to talk to someone who gets it
Our Specialties
We’re here for clients who are navigating:
Emotional outbursts, anger, or who are completely shut down
Anxiety, depression, or low motivation
Identity, purpose, and cultural connection
Parent-teen conflict and communication
Feeling stuck, lost, or disconnected
We work especially well with teen boys, young men, and parents who feel like nothing is working anymore. Click here to learn more.
Therapy That Feels Different
Not into the whole “sit on a couch and cry” idea?
Perfect. Neither are we.
Our approach is casual, human, and real. You can swear. You don’t have to dress up. You can be yourself. Therapy here is about connection and trust—not perfection.
Jesse Dale, RP (Qualifying), Clinic Director
“We meet people where they’re at—whether that’s quiet, angry, or unsure. We just want you to feel like you belong here.”
Meet Jesse Dale
Founder, Clinic Owner & Director of Dawn Therapy & Wellness | Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) | Indigenous Mental Health Advocate
Jesse specializes in working with boys and young men because he used to be one of them—lost, stuck, and not sure who he was. Now, he offers the kind of grounded, real-talk therapy that helped him change his own life.
He brings a deep belief in storytelling, empathy, and cultural connection into every session—and he’s especially passionate about creating space for Indigenous youth to heal in ways that feel safe and empowering.
Why “Dawn”?
This practice is named in loving memory of Director Jesse’s mom, Susan Dawn Ingersoll.
Jesse and his family are Indigenous and are members of the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. Dawn Therapy Centre is located on the territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. Jesse is committed to providing accessible and culturally informed mental health services and is honoured to provide these services in the rural location of Scugog Island. As an Indigenous-owned clinic, we embrace the values of community, resilience, and holistic healing.
Dawn also symbolizes something more:
New beginnings. New paths. A fresh start—no matter how dark it feels now.
We believe in your ability to change. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to start somewhere.
Serving Durham Region
Located on Scugog Island, we proudly support clients from:
Port Perry
Uxbridge
Brock
Lindsay
Whitby
Bowmanville
Oshawa
Rural North Durham
Virtual sessions also available across Ontario
Coming Soon
Coming Soon
Group therapy for boys & young men
Workshops for Indigenous clients on accessing NIHB
Half-day active therapy programs for teens
Want to be notified when these launch? Join Our Waitlist
In Clinic Groups and Programs
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) 809-5542
22250 Island Rd, Port Perry, ON L9L 1B6