Welcome and kamusta! My name is Diode, pronounced like "Jodi." I am a Queer, Filipinx-American Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in San Diego, California, Kumeyaay Land, and working with clients statewide via Telehealth. I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults. I prioritize values and the humanistic experience in my practice, ensuring that therapy is not just about alleviating symptoms but about honoring and understanding the whole person. I utilize a decolonial lens and ecological approach when working with clients. I specialize in depression, anxiety, low self-worth, stress, grief, life transitions, using Gender-Affirming Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients make progress and feel better.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
What you can expect from our first session is for us to spend the majority of time talking about how you have been doing and feeling lately, what brought you to therapy, and exploring more about you so I can get a better understanding of your lived experience. This will help guide which direction our time in therapy will move towards and begin our conversation about what feeling better or progress will feel and look like for you. My goals for you My approach to goal setting is all about collaboration to define what my client wants to achieve or move towards in our time together. This starts with building trust and comfort and creating a safe space so my client can be themselves. Over time, we'll work together to set goals and track progress.
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
My approach My approach to therapy varies depending on the needs of each person. I consider all aspects of a person's life: mind, body, spiritual, and environmental. I frequently use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as both modalities help me and the client build a shared understanding of where they are, what progress means to them, and how to move towards that intention. I believe that aligning our life with our core values brings profound clarity and satisfaction, which is why I integrate values exploration into the therapeutic process. I view my role as a facilitator of your self-discovery and personal development, rather than as an expert who simply diagnoses and treats. Together, we will work not only towards overcoming difficulties but also towards a greater understanding of your whole self — your thoughts, emotions, body, and spirit. My goal is to support you in crafting a life that feels rewarding and true to your deepest self. My communication style My communication style is warm, calm, helpful, and good-natured. I aim to create a safe space where my client feels comfortable and brave to share anything. I take pride in being grounded, non-judgmental and maintaining unconditional positive regard for my clients. My journey to therapy I've always been described as a "bridge," someone who thrives in making connections, seeking understanding, and helping others. My lived experiences as a teacher, non-profit professional, community advocate, and hospice social worker drew me to therapy. I enjoy seeing others step into their authenticity and become the best versions of themselves.