Dian Grier

Dian Grier

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker
  • Video Therapy starting at $125
  • Specializing in: Artists' mental health, Careers, Codependency, Communication issues, Trauma
  • Years of Experience: 14
“People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking. I think that what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences on the purely physical plane will have resonances with our own innermost being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive.” ― Joseph Campbell,...

In what ways does your personality influence your approach to therapy?

I am quite eclectic and adapt well to the client I working with. I am energetic and feel free to use humor when appropriate. I am pull from different areas/philosophies as needed when we work together. I believe people have many gifts and sometimes they are unable to see these gifts. I consider these a way to start working toward the end goal. Maybe the client is not utilizing these gifts in life and there is a block. Whatever spiritual path they have chosen may be part of the journey for them. I am open to any lifestyle or information presented. I am nonjudgemental and very open to life. I like to share this with my clients.

What do you view as a key component of the therapeutic relationship?

I love the connection with my clients. I am not the clinician that believes in the traditional boundaries of keeping you out of my personality or life completely. The session is about you, but if I have been through something similar and I have experience with it, I may give you an example from my own life. I think of all my clients with the unconditional regard and truly look forward to each session. I remember what we have talked about and look forward to hearing what happened over the last week or two. When you succeed, it touches me deeply. I am not in this work because it is a job, this is my life purpose and I feel it is my responsibility to treat each client with the utmost respect and kindness and we will celebrate each victory together.

What does a first session with you look like?

The first session will be getting to know you and finding out what your goals are in therapy. I want to know who you are and how you view yourself. I will be looking for your strengths, whether you are aware of them or not. I will be listening a great deal and learning about what the barriers are in your life as well as where you would like to see changes. We will create a working plan on goals for the future and decide on how often we would like to meet. Hopefully we will be getting comfortable with one another and laughing a bit. I want you to feel comfortable and feel a lack of judgement. I will also be discussing the brilliance I see in you.

What is your style/approach to therapy?

My style is very unique and I haven’t met many therapists who work as I do. I like to adapt to the client and their perspectives on life. I enjoy helping you uncover old beliefs that no longer work for you. My goal is to help you create a life that feels more exciting and fun. Helping you get out of any ruts in which you feel stuck is my goal. I have created a novel way to work through trauma, old cognitions and thought distortions, to create a more creative and peaceful way to view the world. Change is quicker than you think and I see change quickly with the clients who are motivated.

What would be important for someone to know about working with you?

If you are looking for therapist who is quiet and nods their head, I might not be a good fit for you. I listen well, but do offer questions and other perspectives. I am not a therapist that feels interaction is important to change. I do not spend time chit chatting either, we stay on task and work towards your goals. I do not want to waste your time or money and take

Specialties

Artists' mental health

There’s been a long history of debating the connection between creativity and mental illness. Research shows mixed results but ultimately, anyone can experience mental health issues in relation to professional burnout or work-related stress.

Careers

Designed to help people choose, change, or leave a career at any stage of life. Careers are often wrapped up in people’s perceived identity, therefore, any change can cause anxiety and/or depression.

Codependency

Involves a person sacrificing their needs to meet the needs of others. Their thoughts and actions center on a significant other, spouse, friend, or relative. Becomes an issue when relationships are unbalanced and unhealthy.

Communication issues

Source of communication challenges in circumstances and relationships that can have a negative impact on mental health. Misunderstandings and misinterpretations often lead to arguments in personal, platonic, or professional relationships.

Trauma

Trauma is the result of experiencing a perceived, extremely distressful event. Although the stress threshold for each person differs, meaning that each person considers and experiences trauma differently, it is an event that tops one’s threshold. It exceeds one’s ability to cope or emotionally process. Symptoms may include shock, anxiety, confusion, hopelessness, feeling disconnected, mood swings, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.

General Expertise

  • Stress
  • Social Anxiety
  • Self-Esteem
  • Relationship Issues
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Parenting issues
  • Panic attacks & panic disorder
  • Mood disorders
  • Marriage issues
  • Loss/Grief
  • Life transitions
  • Infidelity
  • Identity development
  • Family issues
  • Drug addiction & abuse
  • Divorce & separation
  • Depression
  • Dependence issues
  • Creative blocks & writer's block
  • Coping Skills
  • Couples
  • Families

Treatment Approaches / Modalities

  • Eclectic Therapy

Fees

  • $125
    Couples Session
  • $125
    Family Session
  • $125
    First Session / Assessment
  • $125
    Individual Session
$125 Couples Session
$125 Family Session
$125 First Session / Assessment
$125 Individual Session

Education

  • Masters Social Work-Arizona State University
  • Business Associates-Washington State University

Training / Certifications

  • EMDR-EMDR Institute
  • Suicide Trainer-CDCR

Work History

Hello!
I have been working as a clinical therapist for over 13 years. In that time I have worked in various areas including grief, addiction, relationships, finding a path in life, and specialize in trauma work. There are maps we imprint early in life that follow us in one form or another throughout our entire lives. We often act these learnings out without knowing where they come from or why we do the things we do. I act as a guide to help you understand this life map you have created, cognitions that you believe that may not be serving you any longer, and we work together to find a new perspective on life. Depression is often an opportunity to re-examine these life patterns and offers you a path to a new perspective. Anxiety is also your deeper self talking to you, telling you that something needs to be freed from long ago. I don't spend a lot of time in the past but some time must be spent mapping the past so we can move forward to create the life you want. I consider myself your guide. I will help you find meaning, your meaning and your path. I will remind you of who you are and why you are here. I feel you have these answers and I am honored to work with you to find your answers.

Licensure

  • CA, LCSW, 69269

Location

22350 Amberwood Court, Tehachapi, CA, 93561