As a psychotherapist, I work collaboratively with clients to clarify needs and bring lasting positive change. I have a passion for helping children and adolescents develop lifelong coping skills, supporting adults in overcoming challenges, and guiding families through significant life transitions.
My particular areas of interest include ADHD, high-functioning autism, anxiety, depression, and trauma. I also offer specialized resolution services for families in conflict and crisis, including reunification therapy, co-parent coaching, and court-ordered Parenting Coordination.
Building on a background in relational psychotherapy, I use cognitive-behavioral, play-based, mindfulness, and somatic techniques to inform our work together.
But, most importantly, I emphasize my clients’ personal strengths, encourage exploration, and build capacity to cope with challenges with compassion and humor.
Currently, I work as a therapist in Durham, NC. I welcome individuals from surrounding communities for in-person visits and throughout North Carolina via secure telehealth.
I serve on the board of the Center for Cooperative Parenting and am a member of the National Association of Social Workers.
Individual Therapy
I offer individual therapy for children (12 years and older), teenagers, and adults. I view therapy as a partnership and encourage ongoing feedback. My therapeutic approach is flexible and collaborative, drawing from different modalities based on client need. I have training in areas including play therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, sand tray therapy, mindfulness, and Somatic Experiencing.
Family Therapy
I work together with family members to resolve specific areas of conflict or improve overall communication and cooperation. Most often my family therapy sessions include all the members of the family, but can also focus on a parent-child or sibling relationship.
Parent Coaching
My parent coaching services focus on empowering parents to create environments of mutual respect and communication, understand behavioral concerns, and improve emotional management for both self and child. I am a certified Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) provider.
I also offer co-parent coaching to improve parent collaboration post-divorce.
Family Resolution
I offer the following Family Resolution services to navigate high-conflict divorce, ease communication, and repair relational issues.
- Co-parent Coaching
Your relationship may have ended, but your connection as co-parents continues. I offer co-parent coaching for support and skill-building to minimize reactivity, improve communication, and assist in decision-making so your children's wellbeing remains the focus.
- Reunification Therapy
I offer reunification therapy to address relationship disruptions between parent and child. Typically, reunification therapy is recommended or ordered by the courts when a child is resisting or refusing contact with a parent. Reunification therapy usually occurs in cases of high-conflict divorce, but may also be recommended in cases where a parent and child have had contact issues related to involvement with child protective services, military deployment, incarceration, or other causes of separation.
- Parenting Coordination
As a Parenting Coordinator, I may be appointed by the Court to help parents follow the provisions of their child custody order, reduce conflict, and negotiate decisions regarding their children.
I have completed extensive training in Somatic Experiencing (SE), a body-oriented method for resolving trauma symptoms and relieving chronic stress. SE uses the nervous system’s own resources to gently restore stability, improve emotional regulation, and decrease overall distress. I enjoy educating both children and adults about the role of the nervous system in emotional and behavioral responses, and I incorporate embodied techniques into therapy when appropriate and desired.
How do I schedule an appointment with you?
I offer a free 15-minute telephone consultation during which we can discuss your needs and the therapy process. Just complete the inquiry form, and I will be in touch to schedule a call.
Where is your practice located?
1415 West NC Highway 54, Suite 201 in Durham, NC, located near 15-501 and I-40 for easy access to Durham, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, and other Triangle communities. I also offer secure telehealth for clients throughout North Carolina.
Do you accept insurance?
I am in-network with most Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna plans. Each potential client is responsible for confirming their benefits. For out-of-network clients, my rate is $150 per session.
Coaching and Family Resolution services are not reimbursable by insurance and are offered at an hourly rate of $165 for Parent and Co-Parent Coaching and $200 for Reunification Therapy and Parent Coordination.
If you are interested in becoming a new client, please complete this form. I will email you within a day or two to let you know if I believe I am a good fit for your needs and to discuss availability. If appropriate we can schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation. Once accepted as a new client, I will add you to my client portal to complete necessary intake paperwork.
If you have other questions about the process, please email me at therapy@dianepw.com.