About mariana

acceptance and commitment therapy and EMDR trauma therapist

“When you connect with things that you deeply care about that lift you up, you’ve just connected yourself into places where you can and have been hurt”

Dr. Steven Hayes

 

There may be so many painful and powerful memories that brought you here, stringing along with them the thoughts and emotions that continue to have a negative toll on your daily life. You disconnect, you zone out, you freeze, you run. You may have asked yourself, “Why can’t I just let all of this go and move on?” People in your life may have asked you the same question.

 

There’s a chance you already tried to take care of the issue yourself. You tried going down so many different avenues to heal and you worked so hard during those processes. I’d like to honor that for a second. Now you’re here, trying a different path.

So, let’s try something new. We’ll travel together.

Now a therapeutic journey can’t start without some degree of trust, I get it!

Hi, My name is Mariana diaz.

Mariana Diaz, AMFT

Mariana Diaz, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #143913 in California, Supervised by Ah Hyun Lee, LCSW105879

I am a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (#143913) under the supervision of Ah Hyun Lee, Licensed Clinical Social Worker #105879.

I am a San Diego native now residing in Hoboken, NJ, however still working on my California licensure with California residents.

Exciting Update!

I am in training for EMDR therapy from January through April 2025. I have been using some EMDR techniques and am happy to extend my skills further to offer EMDR therapy now.

I have used a variety of modalities during client sessions, including Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Informed Therapy. Overall, the time we spend together will be experiential – we will imagine, explore, and process.

Mariana’s treatment approaches in therapy

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    I utilize goal setting and plan formulation on the client’s terms, as we work together to discover thought processes that hold negative patterns and increase sense of control through guided stress reduction techniques. Together, we can reframe and restructure.

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

    By connecting to your values and aspects of life that you care about, we work together in acceptance of your responses to times you have been hurt or caused pain in these areas. They matter. We can look to moving forward through the hardship and commit to necessary changes.

  • Trauma-Informed

    Trauma isn’t what happens to us, it’s what happens within us. While we may not get control of the narrative, we can take control of recovering the authentic self that is hidden away. We will weave through anxiety, depressive symptoms and the overall emotional disruption that currently impacts your sense of safety.

  • Motivational Interviewing

    I act as a guide and follower through open questions, active listening and overall curiosity while empowering clients to outline their own meaning and capacity to change their lifestyle for the better.

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

    We focus on acceptance of fleeting emotions, tolerating stress, regulating intense emotions, and practicing effective communication with others to strengthen relationships while maintaining self-esteem.

I have also utilized Relapse Prevention and Harm Reduction due to my experience in working with substance use disorders in an adult and teen outpatient treatment setting. I am trained in Gottman Method Level 1 and trauma-focused ACT.

A strong value I hold in both my professional and personal life is cultural sensitivity, maintaining overall interest in working with BIPOC, AAPI and LGBTQ+ populations. In working with various different identities and sexual orientations, I remain non-judgmental and client-focused when addressing childhood trauma, trauma-based anxiety, stigma, and discrimination. I continue to learn and understand the various ways that trauma shows up for different clients across several cultures.

Acceptance and commitment therapy with a trauma therapist

Even the idea of showing up for your mental health may have been completely out of your comfort zone, perhaps a frightening experience, and I am here to meet you wherever you are at. I maintain curiosity in getting to know my clients and their background while holding myself responsible for respecting and educating myself about each individual client identity. I see myself as both a curious learner and fellow traveler as I normalize your reactions and empathize while you work towards healthy emotional expression and relief, whatever that means for you.

 
 

EMDR Trained Therapist for Trauma Therapy

“What is EMDR Therapy? How Do I Know If It’s Right for Me?”

EMDR Therapy is structured and trauma-focused in an expedited process with lasting results. It encourages you to attune and pay attention to all aspects of your memories and your reactions in the present moment. All aspects refer to images, physical sensations, emotions, thoughts, and beliefs. You get to listen to and care for your inner child. Its process of healing also asks you to be creative in your unique way.

As an EMDR Trained Therapist, I can help you process single traumatic incidents, such as PTSD or adjustment issues. This means if you have experienced an accident or an experience that you continue to feel stuck about, I can help you feel “unstuck” and move forward in your life.

Every session will hold space for you. This is your time. This is your journey.

I am here to walk with you wherever you wish to go.

a little bit more personal About Me: 

In my free time, I love to dance, go to fun pop concerts and explore the best chai tea lattes around both coasts!

Get started with trauma-focused therapy and trauma counseling, today.

Take the first step toward healing. Schedule a trauma counseling session in San Francisco with our empathetic therapist. Your journey to recovery begins here.