Dina Seerden
I've been a licensed clinical social worker for over 30 years. I graduated with a bachelor's degree from University of California Los Angeles then worked a few years in the "corporate world" before going to graduate school. I got my Master of Social Work at University of Southern California.
I've been a licensed clinical social worker for over 30 years.
Since then I have worked with a wide variety of people; from those with terminal illnesses, to those coping with childhood trauma, to those with situational depression and anxiety. The one thing all my clients have in common is the opportunity to be truly seen and heard. Sometimes that is with quiet compassion and sometimes it's by having me cheer them on as they move toward their goals.
First session
Therapy can seem intimidating and scary. Often clients feel like no one really wants to hear about their problems. My goal for our initial session is to create a space for you to feel emotionally safe, supported and heard. You will have the opportunity to tell your story; why you are seeking help at this moment and what you are looking for in a therapist. Together we can explore your strengths and begin to identify the unhelpful beliefs, thoughts and patterns that that may be holding you back.
Strengths
I use a client-centered, strengths-based approach that offers us the flexibility to collaborate in a way that best fits your needs. I lean into the therapeutic relationship, using humor and compassion to allow clients the support they sometimes need to dig into the scarier corners of their emotions.
Treatment methods
Eclectic
I use an eclectic approach each client as the unique individual they are. This requires we work together to determine what treatment method works best for you. Some clients prefer the directive approach of being given homework at each session while others prefer a less structured session. Clients have expressed feeling more "seen" when we work with an approach best suited to them. That said, I work with every client using a strength-based framework as I believe the answers we find within ourselves can be found by using our own strengths rather than someone else's idea of what a person "needs." I have been using this method of intervention throughout my 30-year career as a clinician.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I am certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and find this treatment method works best for clients who feel they need a structured therapeutic environment. I believe that by challenging thoughts and beliefs that no longer serve us, our feelings and actions we can truly change our lives. In our sessions we will work to identify unhelpful thoughts and patterns, then you will learn strategies to practice changing them. You can expect to be "homework" at each session to practice the strategies we identified.
Grief Therapy
I worked for eight years with people with HIV/AIDS and another seven years in hospice. I've learned very well that there is no prescribed timeline for dealing with grief and it can become profoundly disabling when the relationship with the deceased individual was complicated or problematic. It can be confusing when you can't seem to just "get over" the death of a loved one or feel guilty for "moving on" with your life. Together we can create a safe place to explore how you can honor and accept your grief.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Woman
Top specialties
Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQ
Other specialties
ADHD
First Responders/Healthcare Workers
Grief
Health/Medical Issues
Life Transitions
Mood Disorders
Serves
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Licensed in
CaliforniaLicense 18559