New to Grow
Hi my name is Dianna Gibson and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) working with all types of clients throughout California. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief/loss, caregiving challenges, and parenting. Prior to becoming a clinical social worker, I worked with children and families in the Child Welfare Services System for twelve years after graduating from college with my social work degree. Furthermore, as a former foster youth, I am very familiar with the impacts of child abuse and neglect on a child leading to severe childhood trauma and PTSD and am passionate about helping individuals address unresolved trauma and familial conflict in order to live a meaningful life and gain a sense of resilience and empowerment. My personal and professional experience has allowed to me help clients navigate anxiety, depression, life transitions, family stressors, and identity exploration while building coping skills, strengthening relationships, and cultivating a stronger sense of self. My approach is solution-focused, strengths based, practical, collaborative, and directed toward future restoration. I work with people where they are, guiding them to where they want to be. Furthermore, as a Black clinician, I also provide a unique perspective by integrating a strong multicultural framework to fully understand your experiences, relationships and the way you navigate in the world around you.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During our first session we'll start by "getting to know each other" and you can talk about what’s on your mind without judgment. My role is to help you figure out what’s working for you, what isn’t, and together we’ll explore ways to feel better. Your input is always welcome, and we’ll work at a pace that feels right for you. This is a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings. Whatever you share is confidential, and there’s no right or wrong thing to say. I’m here to listen, understand, and work with you to find ways to cope and feel more in control of your life."
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I work from a place of pure empathy whereby I am very passionate about guiding clients to find the strengths within themselves to persevere through life's challenges. I understand that who you are and the relationships in your life impact how you see and interact with the world. By taking these into account we can work together to understand what success looks like for you and how you can thrive. Our work together will be person-centered, trauma-informed, and collaborative because you are the expert in your own life. I believe that every person deserves to be heard and understood, regardless of their background or circumstances. I focus on supporting adolescents and young adults as well as individuals working to break generational patterns, and anyone navigating challenging familial relationships or looking to strengthen and enrich their interpersonal connections. Together, we will explore barriers and identify your challenges and goals - where you want your life to be a month, six months, a year from now. Then, we'll identify the best possible options and strategies you can use to get there. You'll leave the session with a better understanding of what you're facing with a "plan of action" approach.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
My ideal clients are teens and adults who have experienced trauma, chronic stress, or emotionally challenging relationships and are now dealing with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or difficulty coping. Also those who are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or weighed down by past experiences and are ready for change—even if they’re not sure where to start. If you struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, people-pleasing, emotional overwhelm, or feeling disconnected from yourself or others. Or often, you are used to “pushing through” on your own and are looking for a space where you can finally slow down and feel heard. If you feel stuck in unhelpful thought patterns, struggle with setting boundaries or prioritizing yourself, experience strong emotional reactions you don’t fully understand, and want practical tools but still need a safe space to share those experiences... Look no more, you've come to the right place where your healing journey begins :)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I’ve been using CBT in my practice for the past eight years. It’s helped majority of clients challenge recurring thoughts and manage their anxiety. Together, we'll identify automatic thoughts and talk about difficult emotions. CBT will help you to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact with one another. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns, which will help you lead a less stressful and more fulfilling life.
Narrative
The use of Narrative Therapy in my practice has helped my clients see that they are not the problem — the problem is the problem. It helps reduce shame and blame and makes change feel possible whereby clients are able empowered to rewrite their story in a way that highlights strengths, values, resilience, and preferred identity.
Relational
In relational therapy we'll explore attachment and early relational experiences as well as patterns in current relationships. Key focus areas range from conflict resolution and communication to self concept based on interactions with others and repairing relational trauma. Successful treatment can lead to increase awareness of interpersonal patterns and improve emotional regulation in relationships while developing better communication and conflict resolution skills overall.