About Me
Hi, I’m Diana!
I’m a first-generation Hispanic and therapist that was raised to not trust therapy.
I share that upfront because it’s a big part of my journey to becoming a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I’ve worked through a lot of my own ‘stuff’ to help you with yours – we all have ‘stuff’!
What to expect
Doing this work isn’t all unicorns and roses – it can be heavy, tiring, and challenging – but always worth it.
Here’s a little bit about my style:
• We’ll follow a general structure, but we’ll also go where the session needs to take us. For example, we might use part of the session for me to guide you through a new skill/concept that will help you move forward or we might circle back to a previous session’s ‘homework’. However, I’ll always make sure we explore what’s on your mind during that session and that we cover what you want.
• I’ll encourage you to do things outside of our sessions to aid in your journey such as logging information between sessions, journaling, and doing some reading.
• I’ll continually encourage you to apply the skills learned in our sessions outside of the room to slowly tackle areas of growth by changing behaviors.
• I’ll check in with you about whether we’re hitting your goals and will make suggestions if we need to readjust or further explore what’s getting in the way.
• I believe you’re the expert in your life. I’ll help guide you to your internal sense of knowing so that you can start trusting your experience over some of the stories your mind tells you.
• I’ll also challenge you and give you honest feedback about areas you may be stuck in. This is a shame-free zone where judgment is not allowed. It’s also an open dialogue, so please let me know if there are better ways for me to communicate that you’ll be more open to receiving.
• That leads to me the last point; I need you to be actively part of the process and be honest if something isn’t working as we strive to hit your goals.
Values
Many therapists go into this field after being inspired by their therapy, life experience, or journey. I almost feel like my narrative is the other way around (the story of my life). Psychology found me, which then forced me to look at my stuff (because we all have stuff), and I’ve been on this journey of learning, growing, and trying to improve ever since. I genuinely enjoy learning, and I continue to soak up everything related to the human condition. I chose this field because it feels meaningful to connect with people and contribute to their growth process as they feel heard and understood (sometimes for the first time).
The values I embrace as I show up in each session are
Openness
It’s important to me to be accepting and nonjudgmental with you and your range of experiences, especially the painful ones to look at. It’s also essential for me to remain open about how I can continue to improve and pivot to meet you where you’re at and help you on your path.
Compassion
I firmly believe that having a compassionate stance towards the human in front of me, regardless of what’s going on, is crucial to feeling safe, seen, and connected. I believe compassion can truly be healing.
Growth
I pride myself on constantly learning and growing as a therapist because not only do I love learning, but it stops me from becoming stale and rigid in my therapeutic approach. I also hope to help you grow, however, you define that because that is part of why you’re seeking therapy.
Mindfulness
The only way I can continue to show up in value-driving ways is by being aware of how I’m coming across and trying as much as possible to be present with you in our time together. I do genuinely honor your commitment to focus on your well-being, and I hope you feel my active presence in the room with you.
Ready to focus on you?
Qualifications & Experience
I’ve been in the field since 2011 and have various experiences in different settings. I’ve trained with children struggling with behavioral issues and shadowed psychological evaluations. I’ve spent a fair amount of my time in treatment centers where I got to work with many different age ranges and mental health concerns. Most recently, I’ve worked within a university counseling center.
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Science in Psychology from Florida International University & Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida
Roles Held: Case Manager, Primary Therapist, Clinical Counselor, and Director of Counseling Services.
Certifications: Certified Daring Way Facilitator, Qualified Supervisor, Gottman Level 1 Therapist, and SMART Recovery Facilitator
Training: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Nutritional Psychiatry Training.
More about me personally
📚 I’m a bookworm and love reading both fiction and nonfiction. I’m currently in two book clubs!
🏡 I equally loving being at home reading a book with coffee or tea and spending time with my family and friends.
🏝 I love spending time at the beach; it’s my happy place.
😱 I’m a true crime junkie – I love it all, from documentaries to podcasts. I can’t binge too much, though, or I start getting a little paranoid, lol.
🤝 If you’re ready to start working together, schedule your complimentary consultation.