Counselor touches lives behind jail bars

Lisa Roose-Church of the Livingston Press & Argus (Michigan) profiles Dawn Gaden, the newest mental health professional at Livingston County Jail:

Once in private practice, Gaden, a mental health professional, has been working with Livingston County Jail inmates since March. A typical day includes interacting with any inmates on suicide watch and taking referrals from the jail's medical staff who are seeking psychological evaluations of inmates.

Over the long run, Gaden will help the jail create more social programs for its inmate population, such as anger management counseling, in an effort to help reacclimate an inmate to the county when released. She also provides inmates resource referrals, such as housing.

"I see her having an impact on the whole community," said sheriff's Lt. Tom Cremonte, jail administrator. "This is a big thing for the department, and you will see some good things happening."

Gaden earned a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and a master's from Oakland University. She is a nationally certified counselor, certified in complementary medicine and wellness or a holistic approach to wellness.

She has worked with children using creative play and art therapy techniques, as well as with adults, individuals and couples.

"People are interesting to me," Gaden said. "The way we think; the way we do things; how we cope. I enjoy helping people find new ways to cope.

"When we begin to feel hopeless, there is a light that, indeed, we have choices and control over our own lives," she added. "Knowing what to do when your thoughts consume you ... gives you clarity."