“If you change the way you look at things,
the things you look at change.”
― Wayne Dyer
HEY, I’M DINA!
Professional Philosophy
Whether conscious or not, we often do things because it's what we were told or what other people seem to be doing. Despite the distress that comes with some of our actions - it's what we are used to. My goal is to help clients identify behavioral patterns or ways of thinking that no longer serve them. Behaviors or beliefs that may have once been helpful but are now hurting you. We will identify experiences that have influenced how you see yourself and the world around you during our work together. We will explore how you occupy space and work towards changing your roles at home, amongst friends, at work, and in your community that will lead you closer to the person and life you want for yourself.
Personal Background
Growing up in a hair salon, I fell in love with creative spaces and the stories people share in them. Even more so, I got to witness so many incredible transformations! These transformations were so much more than the right haircut or color. They revealed the strength that comes from rebuilding a life that had come undone by illness, betrayal, tragedy, substances, LOSS. The support, resources, and desire for change were everywhere in these walls and how people were taking care of themselves - surpassed simply just talking about it.
I wanted to create a space like this where people could come as they are, with a strong desire for change and get what they NEED. Being a creative arts therapist has enabled me to do this.
After working for two decades in inpatient behavioral health and substance use disorder rehabilitation, I opened my private practice because I knew there was a growing demand for help seekers. I also recognized that I could not do the work alone, so the group practice was born.
AREAS OF FOCUS
All of us here at START address the mental health areas of stress, trauma, and anxiety in our practice. We apply these three topics to unique, specific challenges that our clients are going through. I also offer specialized treatment in the following areas:
Mood Instability
It has become normal in today's fast-paced environment to experience mood instability. Do you find yourself crying often? Do you often feel restlessness? Are you irritable? Overwhelmed? Do you often feel hopeless or burnt out? Mood instability, whether the result of traumatic experiences or chronic life stress, is not something you have to endure. My integrative approach will help you gain control over your thinking patterns and get the relief you need.
Relationships
When we struggle, our relationships with others struggle as well. Maybe you often feel distracted or less tolerant. Do you find yourself withdrawing or rejecting help being offered by others? Do you feel burdensome and ineffective? If so, I got you. I work with individuals to explore roles, repair attachments, and breakthrough patterns to achieve deeper communication, love, and intimacy. Most importantly, our work together helps you achieve a greater sense of belonging.