Hugh Allan, LCSW 

Hugh Allan, LCSW, is the founder of Move Me Brightly, a practice grounded in the belief that therapy offers a space to better understand yourself, work through life’s challenges, and move forward with greater clarity and intention.

Before becoming a therapist, Hugh spent 25 years as a trader in the finance industry. Working in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, he developed a deep understanding of the stress, uncertainty, and emotional demands that many people carry, especially those in demanding careers. Over time, he felt called toward a different kind of work: one rooted in connection, meaning, and helping others navigate difficult moments in their lives.

Hugh works with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, compulsive behaviors, and major life transitions. He has a particular interest in supporting professionals who are balancing high expectations while quietly managing the weight that comes with them.

His approach to therapy is collaborative, thoughtful, and grounded in respect. He believes therapy is not about being told what to do, but about creating space to better understand yourself so that meaningful, intentional change becomes possible.

At the heart of his work is a simple idea: when we can gently bring light to what we’ve been carrying, we begin to relate to it differently—and from there, we can move forward.

Dr.Steven Dawson DSW, LCSW

Dr. Steven Dawson, DSW, LCSW, is a cofounder of Move Me Brightly and serves as the acting Clinical Supervisor for the practice. In this role, he is deeply committed to supporting the growth and development of emerging clinicians, fostering a supervision environment that emphasizes clinical excellence, authenticity, and compassionate care.

Dr. Dawson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned his Master’s degree in Social Work from New York University and his Doctorate in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania. He is currently a Clinical Professor of Social Work at Daemen University and has previously taught at NYU and Rutgers University. His teaching focuses on helping students develop strong clinical skills, thoughtful diagnostic frameworks, and a deep respect for the lived experience of those they serve.

In his clinical work, Dr. Dawson creates a safe, reflective space where individuals can explore their inner world, reconnect with their authentic selves, and find meaning and peace within their suffering. He has extensive experience working with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, complex trauma, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use.

Across both his clinical and supervisory work, he views therapy as a process of making the unknown known and helping individuals better understand their experiences while developing the capacity to navigate life’s challenges with greater clarity and self-compassion.

At the heart of Dr. Dawson’s work is a genuine appreciation for human connection. He believes that growth occurs in relationships and finds deep meaning in helping both clients and clinicians discover, trust, and become more fully aligned with who they truly are.