David Diaz (He/Him/They)

As an expert in family and couples therapy, family relationships is such an important part of a clients progress. Family can be such a complex life area and exhausting to explore but also needed in order to be independent and reach self-fulfilling autonomy. My speciality is in addressing family conflict, communication, and trauma through the use of a more structural framework, a more emotionally focused approach or unpacking stress that family members have brought into your life vicariously.

I have vast experience in the substance abuse field and the term "drug use" can encompass many different life experiences with drugs and alcohol. Drug use does not have to be about abuse, dependance or addiction but also wanting to approach the client's relationship with substances and making healthy choices. Although addiction is very serious, drug use can seem less stigmatized to begin a conversation with. I am here to be of support from a non-judgmental and empathetic place.

Depression can feel different for everyone but what is common for everyone is that many desire to not feel stuck or wanting their depression to NOT take the wheel of their life. I am very empathetic and useful in getting in touch with these feelings, perceptions, levels of motivation, difficulties in having pleasure and/or improving your ability/desire to take care of yourself. Sometimes our negative feelings are so strong that we can forget their connection with our cognitive process too.

I specialize in Narrative Therapy not only because I have been trained in this framework but also because it matches my philosophy and approach in my own life. In this approach, my clients are taking the wheel and I am in passenger seat on our way to re-authoring your life. This approach can range in different levels of confrontation of realities or gentle ease into exploring what story you would like for yourself.

I have been trained consistently in evidenced based practices because of the nature of clinics and their push for quick solution-focused approaches. However, I offer the option of working on life areas in Sensorimotor Theory coming from a place of addressing the presenting problem in a well rounded long-term way. Sensorimotor Therapy is an approach that addresses trauma, stress and emotional health and the connection to the physical body and how our bodies communicate with us.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy is one of my favorite approaches due to it covering so many life areas that are brought into the therapy room and addressing feelings. This involves the relationship with our selves and others and practicing healthy communication and incorporating proper practice of language. I am capable of approaching sessions in a less emotionally healthy approach but I can usually see the benefits of diving into feelings that need to shed some light and love.