- Addiction and recovery
- Geriatric mental health
- Trauma informed care
About Diana
Diana Elstad is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in Washington with 35 years of experience. She helps people dealing with addictions, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship struggles, parenting stress, and other life challenges. Diana is also a geriatric mental health specialist and has worked across clinics, hospitals, treatment centers, and private practice.
She aims to be warm, kind, and respectful in sessions. Diana listens closely for what is left unsaid and tries to respond to the whole person. Her style is flexible and practical, using techniques that fit each person's needs rather than a one-size-fits-all method.
Diana draws from several approaches, including client-centered work, cognitive behavioral strategies, dialectical behavior tools, motivational interviewing, and narrative therapy. She mixes these to address symptoms like anxiety or depression and patterns such as codependency, communication problems, or substance use. Sessions often focus on developing coping skills, improving relationships, and managing strong emotions.
Her background includes decades in community clinics and treatment settings where she supported people with trauma, PTSD, eating and sleeping concerns, bipolar disorder, and grief. She brings experience helping people navigate major life changes, aging-related challenges, and caregiver stress.
People who meet with Diana can expect a collaborative process. She aims to build trust, set clear goals, and use approaches that fit each individual's situation and pace.
How therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Client-Centered Therapy focuses on building a respectful, nonjudgmental connection and following the client's lead. It helps people who need a listening space to sort out feelings and make their own choices.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the links between thoughts, feelings, and actions and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns. It is often helpful for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, teaches concrete skills for managing intense emotions, improving relationships, and tolerating distress. It can be useful when strong mood swings or overwhelming feelings get in the way of daily life.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Diana will collaborate with each person to decide what methods fit their goals, needs, and preferences. She adjusts methods over time based on progress and feedback.
Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life by removing travel time and allowing appointments during breaks or between commitments. Please confirm the session formats offered before booking so you know how sessions will be conducted. Many people find that online sessions still allow focused skill practice, consistent check-ins, and steady progress toward their goals.
Areas of focus
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Diana support?
Diana works with a wide range of concerns including addictions, depression, anxiety, trauma and abuse, grief, relationship issues, parenting stress, eating and sleeping problems, and mood disorders such as bipolar disorder.
What is her therapy style like?
She uses an eclectic, client-centered style that focuses on listening and meeting people where they are. Sessions often include practical skills for coping and communication alongside reflective conversation.
How much experience does she have?
She has 35 years of experience working in community clinics, treatment centers, hospitals, and private practice settings.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a licensed mental health counselor with the credential LMHC and practices in Washington.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking so you know which formats are offered for your situation.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Diana?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling according to therapist availability.