Dianne Preciado, MA, AMFT, ATR (She/Her)
The process of therapy is like a tangled ball of yarn. As a therapist, my goal is to support children, adolescents, and families untangle the knots and twists, so that with that same yarn, they feel empowered to “create” an authentic project. From lived experience, I understand the twists and knots of life first hand, knowing that these challenges often start from an early age. My therapeutic work considers everyone’s unique experiences, relationships, and identities. Together we’ll explore how the intersection of these things can impact our mental health and overall well-being.
I hold a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with specialization in Art Therapy from Loyola Marymount University, where my clinical training emphasized child and family mental health. My work experience is rooted in collaboration and trauma-informed care from years of working in various community-based roles within K-12 schools, Higher Education, and Non-profit organizations.
Approaches & Modalities
Play-Based Therapy
When working with children, I use a child-centered approach which means that play is integrated as an important therapuetic tool. Informed from research and training, play-based therapy is an effective form of treatment for many types of challenges and behaviors.
Art Therapy
Unlike an art class, an individual does not have to be “good” at art in order to partake in art therapy. As a trained Art Therapist, I use art-based interventions and materials as deemed clinically and developmentally appropriate for each client. Art facilitates communication and understanding, especially in cases where words alone are simply not enough.
Neuro-Affirming Care
Unlike an art class, an individual does not have to be “good” at art in order to partake in art therapy. As a trained Art Therapist, I use art-based interventions and materials as deemed clinically and developmentally appropriate for each client. Art facilitates communication and understanding, especially in cases where words alone are simply not enough.
Trauma-Informed Care
Being trauma-informed means I understand that overwhelming and traumatic experiences shape how one views their environment and connects with others. I am always considering how safe a client feels in the therapeutic space by understanding their nervous-system.
Through compassion, curiosity, and creativity, I look forward to joining individuals and families in their therapeutic journey and growth.
