My Approach

About Me

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My name is Diana Waddell, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with years of experience in trauma treatment. I am dedicated to supporting individuals on their healing journeys, specializing in PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and eating disorders. My deep understanding of how trauma impacts both the body and mind has led me to incorporate Sensorimotor Psychotherapy as a foundational approach in my practice.

I believe that healing from trauma requires a holistic approach that addresses both the body and the mind. Trauma is not just a cognitive experience; it is embodied. Therefore, I integrate Sensorimotor Psychotherapy to help clients process and release trauma held in the body. This gentle, body-centered approach respects your pace, allowing your body to become an ally in healing.

With extensive training and certifications, I employ a variety of evidence-based therapeutic modalities to best support my clients. I am EMDRIA certified as an EMDR therapist and CSTS certified with a specialization in eating disorders, addictive eating, and body shame. My qualifications also include Level II Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Master Level Trauma and Dissociation, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Polyvagal-Informed Therapy.

I approach therapy with compassion, non-judgment, and deep respect for each person’s unique journey. My goal is to create a supportive and nurturing environment where you can explore your experiences and connect with your innate ability to heal. Together, we will cultivate self-awareness, foster resilience, and empower you to reclaim your life from the shadows of trauma and mental health challenges.

 

What is Sensorimotor Psychotherapy?

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Sensorimotor Psychotherapy is a body-oriented therapeutic modality that integrates the body's innate wisdom in the healing process. Trauma affects not only our thoughts and emotions but also our physical sensations and movement patterns. Traditional talk therapy may not fully address these embodied experiences.

Through Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, we will explore the body's responses to trauma—sensations, impulses, and movements—helping you release and process these physical manifestations. This process restores a sense of safety in the body, enhances emotional regulation, and aids in resolving trauma at a deeper level.

 

My Specializations

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I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced various forms of trauma and mental health challenges, including:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  I have extensive experience helping clients manage the distressing symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks, hyperarousal, and avoidance behaviors. Together, we’ll explore how trauma impacts your body and mind, creating a path toward relief and recovery.

• Complex Trauma and Complex PTSD
  For those who have endured chronic trauma, the healing journey can be particularly challenging. I provide a space where individuals can feel safe and supported. Using Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, we will explore how past traumas manifest in the present and develop healthy coping mechanisms and boundaries.

• Anxiety Disorders
  Anxiety can be overwhelming and often manifests in physical sensations, such as tightness in the chest or racing thoughts. I work collaboratively with clients to identify triggers and develop strategies for managing anxiety, empowering you to regain a sense of control and calm.

• Depression
  Depression can create feelings of hopelessness, fatigue, and isolation. In our sessions, we will explore the underlying factors contributing to your depression and develop personalized strategies to foster motivation, joy, and connection in your life.

• Eating Disorders
  I understand that eating disorders often stem from complex emotional and psychological issues, including trauma. I offer a compassionate approach to help clients explore their relationship with food and body image, fostering a healthier, more positive connection to self and nutrition.

• Dissociation
  Many trauma survivors experience dissociation, creating barriers to healing. My approach gently helps individuals reconnect with their bodies and emotions, allowing for a safer and more manageable experience.

• Emotional Dysregulation
  Trauma can lead to difficulties in regulating emotions. Through Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, we will understand your body’s role in emotional regulation and develop healthier response patterns.

 

My Approach to Therapy

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Every individual brings a unique story to therapy, and I believe you are the expert in your own experience. My role is to guide and support you on your healing journey. In our sessions, I encourage you to tune into your body’s responses and sensations, exploring both emotional and cognitive aspects of your experience.

By integrating body and mind in the therapeutic process, we can uncover and release long-held patterns that may keep you stuck in trauma responses. While I often work with individuals who have experienced severe trauma, I am dedicated to anyone seeking to understand their relationship with their body, emotions, and sense of self.

 

A Trauma-Informed, Collaborative Process

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I am committed to creating a trauma-informed and client-centered experience. This means recognizing the importance of safety, trust, and collaboration in our work together. My aim is to empower you and ensure that you feel comfortable and in control throughout the process.

I incorporate elements of mindfulness, self-compassion, and relational therapy to support emotional resilience and promote overall well-being. Together, we will develop tools and strategies to manage distress and navigate life’s challenges with greater ease.

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Bilingual Services (English and Spanish)

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Being bilingual allows me to serve a broader community and provide culturally competent care. Whether you prefer to communicate in English or Spanish, I am here to support you in your native language, honoring your cultural values and experiences.

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Holistic, Faith-Inclusive Therapy

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While I am not a traditionally religious therapist, I draw upon my spiritual beliefs, grounded in love and compassion. I work with clients from all faith backgrounds (or none at all), incorporating spiritual perspectives when appropriate. For those who desire it, I offer faith-inclusive therapy that respects and honors your spiritual path, creating space for exploration in ways that feel authentic to you.​

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Get Started on Your Healing Journey

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If you are seeking a compassionate, trauma-informed therapist who integrates body and mind, I invite you to reach out. Whether you’re struggling with PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety disorders, depression, or eating disorders, or wish to explore how Sensorimotor Psychotherapy can support your well-being, I am here to walk alongside you on your journey.​ Healing is possible, and you don’t have to do it alone.