Professional Training

Therapy

Refreshing Relatable...

Whether you are looking for a therapist because of recent difficulties or challenges that started years ago, I can help you achieve your goals.

As a best-selling author and award-winning educator in the field, I am well-versed in the latest research to ensure your problems are resolved as efficiently as possible using the most effective methods available, including over 50 different therapeutic models.

If you have had difficulty connecting with past therapists, I believe you will find my style refreshingly more relatable and that our conversations will feel natural and comfortable. 

Searching for the right therapist is never simple, and finding a good match can be surprisingly difficult. If you are looking for an experienced therapist who makes the process easy and ensures you achieve measurable and lasting results, feel free to contact me to see if I am a good fit for your needs. 

Services Offered

I provide therapy to adults, adolescents, couples, and families services via Telehealth to residents of California (license #35626), Hawai’i (license #722), and Texas (LPC #14071) only. I also offer in-person sessions at my office in Agoura Hills, California.

Need a Referral?

Find therapists in another state or country who is trained in the Therapy that Works Unifying Framework®: 

Find a Therapist

Adults

ADULT THERAPY

Mood and Anxiety Disorders

I can help you learn how to effectively and efficiently resolve mood and anxiety issues, including depression, bipolar, general anxiety, panic, and OCD. In addition, since these issues have a high rate of relapse (i.e., symptoms returning), I also offer evidence-based treatments for the prevention of relapse.

Trauma and PTSD

Whether in the past or recent, trauma—such as abuse, loss, and violence—can have pervasive effects on a person’s sense of wellbeing as well as personal and professional relationships. I will work with you to resolve trauma symptoms and develop a rich and fulfilling life. Although often a challenging process if the trauma was severe, trauma has a very positive prognosis when treated professionally.

Divorce Recovery and Remarriage

Divorce can be a devastating period, often the most challenging in a person’s life. The divorce process itself can be extremely challenging on multiple levels, with most people benefiting from professional support and guidance to navigate significant conflict, change, and loss. Through divorce therapy, I work with individuals and families to not only heal from the pain but grow from it and move towards a more hopeful future. In particular, I teach parents essential skills to shield their children from the potential negative effects of divorce. For those wanting to move on, we can explore how to create more fulfilling relationships in the future. Finally, those who remarry with children must navigate the challenges of creating a blended family, which can be a perplexing process with few clear answers. I work with these families to find meaningful ways to build sincere connections and a foundation of trust and respect.

Abusive Relationship

Emotional and physically abusive relationships are challenging to overcome and are difficult to understand, especially if you believe your former partner had a personality disorder such as borderline, narcissist, or antisocial. I work with individuals to work through the trauma-specific of abusive relationships and learn how to find healthier relationships and boundaries in the future.

Mindfulness and Medication Alternative

With a rapidly growing evidence-base, mindfulness is widely recognized as a viable alternative to medication for several disorders, including depression, anxiety, and ADHD. It is also widely used to prevent relapse for substance abuse and eating disorders. I work with individuals ages 6 and older wanting to try mindfulness to avoid psychotropic medications.

High-Performance Professionals and Their Partners and Families

I have extensive experience working with high-performing professionals in the entertainment, sports, business, biotechnology, medical, and mental health industries. These work contexts have unique stressors and dynamics that affect not just the individual but also partners and children.

Wellness and Optimal Functioning

I also work with individuals and couples to move beyond “okay” to develop an approach to life that optimizes wellness and personal and professional success.

Couples Therapy

COUPLES THERAPY

Having published widely on the subject and being skilled in several approaches, including both emotionally focused couples therapy and integrative behavioral couples therapy, I work collaboratively with a wide range of couples to improve their communication and preserve their relationships, including those who have experienced infidelity and trauma. In a supportive environment, couples learn to recognize destructive patterns, develop a safe and secure connection, regain a sense of intimacy, and effectively address future challenges. Couples therapy typically has an excellent success rate (70-75%), with couples who seek counseling sooner experiencing better outcomes.

Divorce Therapy/Co-Parenting Consultation

I work with parents who have decided to separate to find a healthy and low-conflict resolution to their parenting differences. Often the court process creates unnecessary and expensive antagonism. I work with couples to find a resolution that supports the well-being of each member of the family, with a focus on the children's emotional health.

Remarriage with Children

More than half of all families in the U.S. today are "blended" or step-families. In these contexts, the process of creating a new, healthy family structure can take as long as five years depending on the number of children, age of children, conflict between parents, etc. These marriages are at a higher risk of divorce due to the multiple and complex stresses on the couple. I work with couples to develop realistic expectations and workable strategies that create a family where everyone feels loved and respected.

Premarital Therapy

Premarital counseling and relationship enrichment have a strong evidence-based for helping couples improve relationships that are already going well. When you think about it—that's quite impressive. Investing time to develop a strong foundation for an already good relationship is perhaps one of the best ways to ensure greater happiness in the years ahead. I will work with you to assess the strengths and vulnerabilities of your relationship and then help you take your relationship to the next level.

Relationship Check-up

Want to keep a good relationship going? Periodic relationship checkups are a wise strategy. Some researchers estimate that most couples come to therapy seven years too late. Periodic relationship check ups can help you identify relational issues long before they become a problem so that the foundation of the relationship is never in jeopardy.

Adolescents

ADOLESCENT THERAPY

Adolescence is a challenging time for many teens and their families, and it is a critical time for everyone. The course charted in the teen years significantly defines life possibilities and opportunities down the road. Therapy can be very effective in helping teens to succeed in school, manage their stress effectively, develop positive relationships with parents and peers, avoid risky behaviors, and learn to make good decisions without outside help. Together, I work with adolescents to not only resolve current issues in their lives but also put them on course to avoid potential pitfalls, with the goal of providing them with a positive attitude and coping skills for many years to come. I use a down-to-earth style that most adolescents find more relatable than that of traditionally trained therapists.

I work with adolescents with the following concerns:

  • Depression

  • Anxiety and stress

  • Trauma, PTSD and abuse

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

  • Panic disorders

  • ADD/ADHD

  • Substance misuse

  • Eating disorders

  • Divorce adjustment

  • Adjustment to major life changes

  • Bullying

  • Peer issues

  • Screen time issues

  • Stress with high functioning adolescents

  • Academic under-functioning

  • Loss and grief

MY APPROACH

COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT

I begin with a comprehensive assessment that includes not only standard DSM diagnosis, but also consider specific brain-based subtypes of depression, anxiety, ADD; family, school, and peer dynamics; and hormones and other physical factors that may contribute to the presenting concerns. Beginning with a comprehensive understanding of the psychological, relational, and physiological factors ensures that treatment is focused on the right issues.

EARLY TREATMENT

Initially, my focus is helping the teen address their presenting concerns, often mood or anxiety, as well as ensuring they are functioning well at school and at home. Adolescents typically respond quickly to treatment, getting their presenting issues under control within 4-8 weeks.

SOLIDIFYING A BRIGHT FUTURE

Once the initial presenting symptoms have been addressed, I work with teens to ensure future success, which may include issues such as family relations, peers, dating, self-motivation, self-validation, career goals, life goals, and generally making good choices as they enter adulthood. 

Families

Family Therapy for Childhood Issues

Family therapy is the treatment of choice for many if not most childhood and adolescent issues, including ADHD, behavioral issues, mood disorders, eating disorders and substance abuse. Family therapy is also very effective for conflict between parents and their adult children or between siblings. Through therapy, parents and children learn how to set healthy boundaries, develop routines and expectations that work for everyone, and increase a sense of emotional connection.

I work with children and their families to address:

  • Childhood depression

  • Anxiety and stress

  • Trauma, PTSD, and abuse

  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

  • ADD/ADHD

  • Divorce adjustment

  • Adjustment to major life changes

  • Peer and social issues

  • Screen time issues

  • Academic under-functioning

  • Loss and grief

Scheduling an Appointment

Contact

Send an email here to schedule an appointment.

Location

Insurance and Payment Options

Payment is due at the time of service. For clients with PPO plans, I can submit the claim to your insurance company as an out-out-of-network provider, and they will mail you a check for the portion they cover and/or apply the amount to your deductible. You can contact your insurance provider about coverage or visit their website to review your “outpatient behavioral (or mental) health” benefits to learn more. In most cases, HMO plans will not reimburse for out-of-network services.

Good Faith Estimate

Clients who are uninsured and/or choose not to use their insurance benefits are entitled to a Good Faith Estimate outlining the total estimated cost of their mental health treatment. An initial estimate will be provided at the time of scheduling, and a more accurate estimate can be provided after the initial diagnostic assessment. At any time, you may request an updated estimate as well. If you receive a bill that is $400 or more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Need a Therapist Similar to Diane?

Find therapists in another state or country who is trained in the Therapy that Works Unifying Framework®: 

Find a Therapist