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Diana Shapiro, MFT - #MFC 41975

Picture
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Accepts Alameda County MediCal & HealthPac insurance
Servicios en Español

Text:  (510) 338-4932
Email:  dianatoad2001@yahoo.com


 I first explored my interest in becoming a therapist in 1998 at the Berkeley  Free Clinic, where I went through an intensive training in a peer counseling  model based on the work of Carl Rogers, one of the most important figures in  Humanistic psychology.
 
Rogers believed that the quality of the relationship  between the therapist and client is more important than  how much specialized  knowledge the therapist has. In his view, a successful therapy relationship is  one in which the therapist feels and expresses empathy  (understanding, the  desire and effort to understand another human being), displays unconditional  positive regard (warmth and acceptance), and congruence (honesty, authenticity). 

He believed that in the context of such a relationship, people's natural ability  to develop and grow towards their potential thrives. Another trademark of  Humanistic psychology is the understanding that we can't and shouldn't push others to change. Change happens on its own when the conditions are right. And  paradoxically, the first step towards making a change is accepting ourselves  just as we are. This was my introduction to therapy and these ideas are still very close to my heart.

After a few years of peer counseling, I decided to get my Masters degree in  psychology, and I graduated from CSU, Hayward in 2001 with a M.S. in  counseling.

During my internship years, I worked as a therapist in several agencies,  including the Pacific Center for Human  Growth, Berkeley's G/L/B/T community center, The Center for Adaptive  Learning (a program for adults with developmental, neurological disabilities), and Blue Oak Therapy Center (a non-profit Berkeley).

Over the years, I have greatly broadened my understanding of the different  schools of therapy while always keeping the values of Humanistic psychology  close by. Some of my important influences include Hakomi and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy,  holistic models of therapy that makes use  of the state of mindfulness to integrate body and mind experiences. In 2004, I  completed a 9-month training in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy for the treatment of trauma. I am also trained in  EMDR, another effective  tool for healing  trauma.

I have been an avid student of Buddhism and Buddhist psychology for the past twelve years. Although therapy is a secular  endeavor, there are many useful tools and ideas from Buddhist psychology that  can be adapted for people of any religious or  spiritual orientation. 

Now, I have a private practice in Berkeley, CA, and I enjoy my work as a  therapist tremendously. I feel very honored to be a part of the process of  healing and growth of my therapy clients.


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  • Home
  • Kensho Staff
    • Adrian Reyes
    • Victoria Spiers
    • Linda Haraguchi
    • Kensho Founders >
      • Diana Shapiro
      • Masako Guthrie
  • Kensho Center Affiliates
    • Renee Grevenberg
    • Nicki Koethner
    • Susan LaCroix
    • Larry Santiago
    • Kayo Sumisaki
    • Lior Tsarfaty
    • Ester Vines
  • Contact Us
  • Frequently Asked Questions