Dianne Preciado, MA, AMFT, ATR (She/Her)
I view my practice and therapeutic work like a tangled ball of yarn. My goal is to help individuals and families untangle the knots and twists, so that you or a loved one can feel a sense of ease and empowerment to create a beautiful project with that yarn. From lived experience, I understand the twists and knots of life first hand, knowing that these challenges often start from an early age. As a therapist, I understand that our unique experiences, relationships, and identities, can bring up challenges that 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
I use an eclectic approach in therapy that draws from relational neuroscience, psychodynamic, child-centered, systemic, and person-centered theories to best meet my clients unique needs. In addition, below are some forms of delivering therapy in our work together:
Play-Based Therapy
- When working with children, I use a child-centered approach which means that play is integrated as an important therapuetic tool. Drawing from research and training, play-based therapy is an effective form of treatment for many types of challenges and disorders.
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 simply are not enough.
Neuro-divergent Affirming
- Too often neurodivergent children and adults are misunderstood, experiencing the world in a unique way, and facing unique challenges. As a result, neurodivergent individuals become more vulnerable to increased mental health challenges. My goal is to support individuals and families in understanding their neurodivergence, validating their experiences, while also celebrating each person’s strengths and values.
Trauma-Informed
- Being trauma-informed means I understand that overwhelming or 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 considering their nervous-system.
Through compassion, curiosity, and creativity, I look forward to joining individuals and families in their therapeutic journey and growth.
