Diane Spear

Asking for help is an act of courage—not a sign of weakness! So congrats on taking that first step!

Since 1995 I’ve been working with courageous individuals and couples, and I’d like to help you find the joy in everyday life—and deal with the issues that get in the way. That doesn’t mean having a perfect life, but being able to make the best of the things you have control of, as well as the best of the unforeseen things life sends your way. I’ll work with you to acknowledge the challenges you face and learn to deal with them in productive ways.

I use a psychodynamic approach, which means we address your background and childhood to understand how you got to this point in your life, so that we can work together on making a more satisfying life now and going forward. We build on your strengths and learn to recognize and work around the things that haven’t been so helpful. Ultimately the goal is help you make a life that is satisfying to you!

I take the time to get to know you and to understand your influences and circumstances. It’s a relationship, so both of us listen and talk. It’s not the cold experience often seen on tv or in movies: “Hmmm. And how did that make you feel?” It’s much more interactive and conversational, and we may share a laugh along the way, as well as some tears at times.

People often need support around career, relationships, anxiety, depression, parenting, and various stages in life. I work with people from older teens heading to college or the world of work to older adults in retirement.

What I bring is a warm acceptance of who you are and what’s important to you. I’m not here to judge, but to invite you to reflect on your life, make active choices, and claim your agency in your own life.

I’ll encourage you to go beyond the idea that everything happens to you, so you can become an active participant in your own life.