Diana Varughese
If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy, now is a good time to reach out. I currently have immediate availability for new adult clients and offer secure telehealth throughout Michigan and Florida. Maybe you’ve been feeling anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck in patterns that you can’t seem to change. You may be functioning well on the outside while privately struggling on the inside. You might be overthinking, having difficulty managing your emotions, feeling disconnected, or carrying the effects of experiences that still affect you today. Sometimes you may not even know exactly what you need, you just know that something needs to change.
You are the expert in your life, and I’m here to help you reconnect with your inner strengths, uncover patterns that no longer serve you, and move toward healing at a pace that feels right for you.
I work with adults (18+) and couples experiencing trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, grief, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. I also support clients navigating ADHD and other challenges that may be affecting their emotional well-being and everyday life. Opening up to someone you’ve never met can feel uncomfortable, especially when you're already dealing with something difficult. You don't need to come to your first session with everything figured out, and you don't need to know exactly what to say. We can start wherever you are. I believe you are the expert on your own life. My role is not to tell you what you should do, but to help you better understand yourself, explore different perspectives, recognize patterns, and work through the things that may be getting in the way of the life or relationships you want.
First session
In our first session together, we'll start with brief introductions, then dive into the specific challenges you're facing. This will give us a foundation to work on creating a personalized plan together, based on your goals, to guide our follow-up sessions.
Strengths
My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and practical. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, person-centered, psychodynamic, strength-based, and trauma-informed approaches, adapting therapy to your needs rather than following a one-size-fits-all formula. I want you to feel heard, respected, and comfortable being yourself. Depending on what brings you to therapy, we may work on processing difficult experiences, understanding how the past may be affecting the present, managing anxiety and depression, challenging unhelpful thought patterns, strengthening emotional regulation, improving communication and boundaries, or developing healthier coping strategies. Therapy isn't about having the perfect answer or saying the perfect thing. It's about having a space where you can slow down, make sense of what you're experiencing, and work through it with someone who is there to support you. My hope is that you leave our sessions not only feeling heard, but with a better understanding of yourself and practical tools you can use in your everyday life.
Ideal clients
I am best positioned to support individual adult clients ages 18 and older who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, grief and loss, ADHD, self-esteem challenges, stress, and major life transitions. I work with individuals who may feel overwhelmed by their emotions, emotionally exhausted, stuck in unhealthy patterns, or uncertain about how to move forward in life. Many of my clients come to therapy seeking a safe and supportive space where they can better understand themselves, process difficult experiences, and begin creating meaningful and lasting change. I especially enjoy working with clients who are motivated for growth, healing, and self-discovery, even if they are unsure where to begin. Whether you are struggling with past trauma, current stressors, relationship challenges, feelings of hopelessness, or difficulties managing daily life, my goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals. I believe therapy is not just about coping with symptoms, but also about building insight, resilience, confidence, and healthier ways of navigating life’s challenges. I strive to provide a nonjudgmental environment where clients can openly explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences at their own pace. I am passionate about helping clients develop practical coping strategies, improve emotional well-being, strengthen self-esteem, and reconnect with themselves in a meaningful way. Together, we work toward creating realistic goals that support long-term healing, balance, and personal growth.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I’ve been using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my practice and have seen it make a significant difference in helping clients manage anxiety, depression, stress, and the effects of trauma. CBT is an effective, evidence-based approach that focuses on the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Throughout our sessions, we’ll work together to identify negative thought patterns that may be contributing to your challenges. We’ll explore how these thoughts influence your feelings and behaviors, including those shaped by past traumatic experiences. From there, we’ll develop strategies to reframe and shift those patterns in ways that support healing. The goal is to help you gain a clearer perspective, reduce distress, and foster healthier coping mechanisms, allowing you to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Trauma Informed Care
Trauma informed care is a fundamental part of how I support clients in my work. I prioritize creating a healing environment that feels safe and respectful, tailored to each person’s unique needs. Trauma can affect many aspects of your life, and I understand that healing takes time and patience. Together, we’ll explore how your experiences—whether from the past or present—impact your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Using a collaborative approach, we’ll develop strategies at your own pace to build resilience and healthy coping skills. My goal is to empower you to regain a sense of safety and control as we move forward on your healing journey.
Psychodynamic
Psychodynamic therapy is a key approach I use to help clients explore the deeper causes of their feelings and behaviors. This therapy explores how past experiences, unconscious thoughts, and unresolved conflicts influence your present behaviors and relationships. Together, we’ll uncover and understand patterns that may have developed over time, shedding light on how they’re impacting your current emotional well-being. By gaining insight into these unconscious dynamics, you’ll be able to understand and address the root causes of anxiety, depression, or trauma-related challenges. The goal is to foster deeper self-awareness and help you make lasting, meaningful changes by uncovering and processing these underlying patterns.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
In my work, I rely on the person-centered approach to create a supportive environment where clients can explore and grow. This approach emphasizes creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings freely. We’ll work together to deepen your understanding of yourself and your experiences. The focus will be on you as the expert of your own life, with the therapist offering empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness. Through this collaborative relationship, you’ll gain clarity and confidence, leading to greater self-acceptance, emotional healing, and the ability to make meaningful changes in your life.
Psychoeducation
I integrate psychoeducation into my practice because it helps clients develop a clearer understanding of their mental health and overall wellbeing. Psychoeducation involves providing you with information about the psychological, emotional, and behavioral aspects of your challenges. Together, we’ll explore the underlying factors contributing to your struggles, whether it’s stress, anxiety, or other concerns. By gaining a clearer understanding of how your mind and body work, you’ll feel empowered to make informed decisions and take an active role in your healing process. The goal is to help you develop practical skills and strategies that enhance your mental health and create long-lasting positive changes in your life.
Location
Virtual sessions