- Addiction and recovery
- Anxiety and depression
- Attachment and loss
About Diana
Diana Elstad is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) practicing in Washington with 35 years of experience. She works with adults on concerns such as addiction and recovery, depression, anxiety, stress, relationship struggles, grief, parenting challenges, and issues tied to trauma and abuse. She also supports people facing aging and geriatric mental health needs and those dealing with adoption, attachment, and codependency concerns.
Her approach is person-centered and pragmatic. She listens closely and pays attention to what is unsaid. Sessions focus on real-life problems and practical ways to change patterns that started in the family of origin or earlier life stages.
Diana draws on several methods, including client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, and narrative therapy. She blends these methods to fit what the person is trying to accomplish in therapy. Expect a mix of talking, skill practice, and reflection on personal stories and patterns.
She has worked across community clinics, treatment centers, hospitals, and private practice settings. That background informs work with issues like substance use, eating and sleep problems, anger, intimacy-related concerns, and caregiver stress. Practical coping strategies and clearer communication are common goals.
Diana aims to help people recognize how family roles and expectations continue to shape daily life. She supports adults who want to change those patterns, understand their reactions, and build more manageable ways to relate to others.
Therapeutic approaches and working online
Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and reflecting the person's concerns back so they can better understand their own thoughts and feelings. It helps with relationship patterns, self-esteem, and decisions about change.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts affect behavior and mood. It involves identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and practicing alternative responses for issues like anxiety, depression, and sleep or eating problems.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, DBT, teaches concrete skills for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness. It can help people with anger, relationship conflict, and extreme stress reactions.
Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences, then combine methods that fit the person's needs. Clients and therapist review progress and adjust techniques as needed.
Confirm current session formats before booking so you know what is offered. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They also let people continue regular work on patterns that began in family life without rearranging their whole day.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
35+ years
Listed in
Washington
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does she address?
She works with addiction and recovery, depression, anxiety, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, parenting stress, and many family-related concerns including attachment and abandonment.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her style is person-centered and pragmatic. She listens, reflects what matters, and combines talking with practical skill practice.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 35 years of experience working in community clinics, treatment centers, hospitals, and private practice settings.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is an LMHC and practices in Washington.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions arranged and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I get started with a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.