Diane Abuan
Hi, I'm Diane. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges with compassion, respect, and practical support. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes at your own pace. My experience includes working with young adults and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, stress, relationship challenges, chronic illness, and behavioral health concerns. I have worked in community mental health, medical settings, and care coordination, giving me a holistic understanding of how emotional, physical, and social factors affect overall well-being. My approach is person-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based. I draw from evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness techniques, tailoring treatment to meet each client's unique needs and goals. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, navigating a difficult transition, managing stress, or seeking personal growth, I strive to create a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where you can build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and move toward the life you want. I look forward to supporting you on your journey toward healing and wellness.
First session
I understand that starting therapy can feel intimidating, so my goal is to create a welcoming, supportive, and judgment-free environment where you can feel comfortable being yourself. During our first session, we'll spend time getting to know each other. I'll ask about what brings you to therapy, your current concerns, your personal history, and what you hope to achieve. We'll explore the challenges you're facing, identify your strengths, and begin developing goals that feel meaningful and realistic for you. This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions about my approach and decide whether we're a good fit. Therapy is a collaborative process, and I believe you are the expert on your own life. Together, we'll create a plan that aligns with your needs, values, and pace. You don't need to have everything figured out before our first appointment. Whether you're seeking support during a difficult time or looking to make lasting changes, we'll take it one step at a time and work together toward your goals.
Strengths
I believe meaningful therapy starts with a genuine connection. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your individual needs—because no two people experience life's challenges the same way. What sets my practice apart is my experience across behavioral health, medical care, and care coordination. I've worked with individuals navigating mental health concerns alongside chronic medical conditions, major life transitions, and complex systems of care. This allows me to look beyond symptoms and consider the whole person—your emotional well-being, physical health, relationships, environment, and personal strengths. I use a trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based approach, combining evidence-based techniques with practical strategies you can apply in everyday life. My goal isn't just to help you feel better in the moment—it's to help you build the confidence, insight, and coping skills to continue thriving long after therapy ends.
Ideal clients
I enjoy working with individuals who are navigating challenges such as relationship concerns, stress, chronic health conditions, grief, trauma, or adjusting to significant life changes. You don't have to have all the answers or know exactly what you need—just a willingness to show up and explore your experiences in a supportive, judgment-free space. Whether you're seeking therapy for the first time or returning after time away, we'll work together to build on your strengths, clarify your goals, and develop practical tools that support lasting emotional well-being. My goal is to help you feel heard, empowered, and equipped to navigate life's challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In our sessions, I use CBT to help clients recognize negative self-talk, challenge unhelpful beliefs, develop effective coping skills, and build healthier habits that support emotional well-being. Rather than simply talking about problems, we'll focus on practical strategies you can apply in your daily life to manage stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and other challenges.
Motivational Interviewing
Rather than telling you what to do, I work alongside you to understand what's important to you, identify what's getting in the way, and strengthen your confidence in your ability to move forward. Together, we'll explore any mixed feelings you may have about change, clarify your values, and identify practical steps that align with your personal goals.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Life often brings stress, uncertainty, and emotional pain, and ACT teaches skills to navigate these experiences while staying connected to what matters most. In our work together, I'll help you identify your core values, increase self-awareness, and build psychological flexibility so you can respond to challenges in ways that align with the life you want to live. We'll practice accepting difficult emotions without letting them control your actions, while developing mindfulness skills and taking meaningful steps toward your personal goals.
Trauma Informed Care
A trauma-informed approach means I recognize the impact that past experiences may have on your current well-being while creating a safe, supportive environment where you feel respected, heard, and in control of your therapy journey. In our sessions, I prioritize trust, collaboration, and emotional safety. We'll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and you'll never be pressured to discuss experiences before you're ready. Instead, we'll focus on building coping skills, strengthening resilience, understanding patterns, and developing strategies that help you feel more grounded and empowered.
Solution Focused Brief Treatment
Solution-Focused Brief Therapy is a practical, goal-oriented approach that focuses on your strengths, resources, and the changes you want to make rather than staying focused on problems alone. While it's important to understand the challenges you're facing, I also believe it's equally important to identify what's already working and build from there. We'll work together to define clear, meaningful goals and identify small, achievable steps that can lead to lasting change. I'll ask thoughtful questions that help you recognize your strengths, past successes, and existing coping skills, empowering you to build confidence and make progress at a pace that feels right for you.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
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Licensed in
- FloridaLicense SW23116