about diane
Both of my parents died when I was in my 20’s. I was already seeing a psychologist at the time, trying to discover myself. Both of their deaths shook me to my core. I lost what I had known to be my entire foundation and stability. With that came a lot of questions about the purpose of life. I spent many years in therapy not only trying to figure out who I was, but also trying to heal from the trauma. Why is this significant in relation to you? Knowing myself, and continually working on my own growth, allows me an immense capacity to bear witness for others on their journey. It enables me not only to hold space for you without discomfort, but often to intuit when people are deceiving themselves or having blockages, and assist them in finding the truth.
““Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” ”
BACKGROUND
I am passionate and curious about people, process and how change occurs. My journey began in the macro sense, as a successful business consultant for 20 years, helping organizations change and become more effective. A natural leader and big-picture theorist, I yearned for a career that not only fostered those talents, but touched my soul. I began a personal journey, volunteering in Africa and India, which broadened my perspective and brought out my humanitarian side. Along the way I discovered how intimately tied the mind & body are, which led me to become certified in Swedish and Deep Tissue Massage. These days I work primarily with individuals, looking at their unique experiences and lens in the world, and assisting them with how to enjoy chaos, discomfort and change, instead of being ruled by fear. My practice integrates the body (somatic or akash), mind (psycho or mana), and spirit (ethos or pran) to improve overall quality of life.
I have worked in grief counseling for 15 years with organizations such as Our House, One Legacy and Comfort Zone Camp. My experience also includes treating survivors of human trafficking, sexual abuse, domestic violence and other trauma. I have extensive experience working with individuals who are anxious and/or depressed, who may be using or abusing substances to cope, and who are experiencing physical, mental and/or emotional discomfort. In my years volunteering at Venice Family Clinic, I utilized short-term, evidence based treatment approaches that incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), substance abuse treatment (harm reduction model), mindfulness and crisis interventions. I have also been a professor at Yo San University, teaching Psychology of Patient Care to TCM Acupuncture students.
Today I maintain a private practice in West Los Angeles, CA, providing counseling and coaching. I incorporate several modalities, as all of us are unique, and effective psychotherapy involves creating a blend of approaches that suit different people. My work encourages emotional awareness and connection using mindfulness, somatic, psychodynamic, humanistic/existential, feminist, behavioral and attachment interventions/approaches. Often when clients are struggling with trauma, traditional “talk therapy” approaches cannot work effectively (or as fast) as other healing approaches. I am also trained in Brainspotting (BSP), which is a brain-based approach that accesses the subcortical brain releasing unprocessed trauma. I have a strong passion for holistic, naturopathic medicine, including eastern traditions and frequently refer to other healing modalities. I am drawn to the study of epigenetics, quantum physics & metaphysics. I believe that my unique background, style of engaging, combined with my strong sense of self, enable me to help people get to the root cause of problems so that they can become their full self.
Board Experience: Los Angeles Team Mentoring (LATM) 2005-2010; National Association of Social Workers (NASW) 2008-2010
Diane Belinsky, LCSW // LCS 78444