About

My career as a therapist was driven by an interest in understanding people’s inner lives and what makes them tick. I was a good listener; the one that my friends brought their problems to. Over many years of professional education, I learned to utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches including“cognitive behavioral therapies” (often defined as therapies directed at solving current problems and modifying inaccurate and/or unhelpful thinking and behaviors). As I learned more about analytic approaches, and depth psychology in particular, I realized that this approach resonated with me most and seemed to provide people with a more holistic and organic approach to working through problems.

LCSW who meets you where you are

My primary job as your therapist is to meet you where you are at, and to help you to identify what your needs are in the current moment, and decide jointly on your preferred way of working on your concerns.

We work together toward achieving a result that leads to resolution of the particular problem or concern, and ideally to go beyond that into the healing realm of the unconscious to make other long-term changes that enrich your life.

Jungian therapy unlocks the unconscious

While I use a variety of therapeutic approaches as appropriate, I am most drawn to Jungian theory and practice. This approach enables a person to not only address a specific problem or concern, but by working on a more holistic and unconscious level, it can bring about deep, long lasting and rewarding changes to the personality. Changes that can lead to improvement in overall health and wellbeing.  As a Jungian therapist, I am particularly interested in working with dreams, and the various creative processes that can tap the unconscious and help in broadening consciousness.  Read more about Jungian therapy by visiting My Approach page.

In addition to the Jungian approach, we can also explore somatic, mind, body spirit interaction and holistic approaches as adjuncts to psychotherapy. It is now widely recognized that meditation and mindfulness improve both mental and physical health. It is interesting to note that both have their roots as spiritual practices.

Lessons from working with incarcerated individuals

The healing value of creative expression was reinforced for me in my work with incarcerated individuals.  I ran a symptom management group that focused on poetry as the means of expression and dialogue regarding struggles and suffering. I was impressed by what these groups yielded, even from individuals who had no previous particular experience with writing or poetry.

My background

I am originally from Toronto, Ontario, Canada and have been in California in the Santa Cruz and Greater Bay Area since 2009. I completed my education at the Bachelor and Masters level in Social Work in Toronto. Since moving to California, I have pursued continuing education through Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, and at The Jung Institute in San Francisco. I am very invested in continuing my professional development and enjoy connecting with peers and reflecting both on Jungian Psychology and the practice of psychotherapy.

My professional LCSW background in Toronto included a variety of social service and mental health settings including a university counseling center, in and outpatient hospital mental health care, crisis response, group home and shelter work. Most recently in California, I have worked within a mental health program and psychiatric hospital setting within the correctional system, facilitating group process and psycho-educational groups, as well as providing individual therapy. In my years of experience I have gained a broad understanding of the human psyche in various settings and contexts with people from all walks of life.

Personal areas of interest

My overarching interest is in the spiritual aspect of life and I enjoy working in supporting people who are experiencing a spiritual crisis or simply wishing to elaborate on their spiritual practice. This can be within a traditional religious or spiritual tradition or completely independent of one.  Other areas of interest include working around concerns related to depression, challenging life transitions (such as palliative illness multi-culturalism and immigration), identity, relationships, death/dying/bereavement and living with chronic and/or palliative illness.

diana

Website Development: Melody Sharp