This is therapy that doesn’t force you into a box.
(Because you’ve never really fit into one anyway.) In-person and online counseling in Queens, NY for teens & adults.
Maybe you’ve always felt a little out of sync with how other people seem to live their lives.
You feel things deeply, you think differently, and your inner world can be so intense that it’s hard to stay connected to the outside world. And for as long as you can remember, you’ve carried a sense that something about you is either too much or not enough.
You may find yourself pulling back from others or trying too hard to fit in. Maybe something painful happened that left a lasting mark. Maybe life has changed in big ways, and you’re not really sure what comes next. You want to feel more like yourself again—to enjoy things, breathe easier, or stop carrying so much on your own.
You want a life that feels like yours.
Maybe you’re here because you’re…
Trying to function while falling apart inside, and no one really knows.
Grieving something big: a person, a relationship, or a version of yourself.
Questioning who you are and what you actually want—and it feels scary to name.
Holding onto things that hurt from the past.
A teen who’s feeling lost, alone, or like nothing makes sense anymore.
There’s room for all of you here—the part that’s hurting, the part that’s shut down, and the part that is still holding onto hope.
Hi, I’m Diana, founder of Dear Self.
I’m here to remind you—or tell you for the first time—that there’s nothing wrong with how you move through the world.
When you’ve had to stay strong for too long, life can be heavy. And more than just run-of-the-mill stress—it’s full of the kind of heaviness that settles in your body, making it hard to show up, speak up, or even get out of bed some days. This can stem from feeling misunderstood, disconnected, or like you're always “on” (and likely carrying more than people realize).
Therapy is about a real relationship—one where you can be honest, unsure, messy, and still met with care.
I’m not here to analyze you from across the room, nor do I expect everything to be tied up neatly. We spend time in the middle of things, including the parts that don’t have clear answers and the questions that keep coming back.
There is something powerful about having someone in your corner. Even when things get hard, I stay. Dear Self offers hope when things feel dark, connection when relationships feel fragile, and the belief that you're not too much—and never have been.
My Areas of Expertise
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Some days it’s debilitating sadness. Other days, there’s numbness, panic, or the feeling of falling behind in a life that keeps moving without you. Depression and anxiety can shape how you see yourself, your relationships, and your future.
You don’t have to pretend you’re okay. In therapy, we intentionally slow things down, explore what’s underneath, and begin finding ways forward that feel grounded and possible.
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Simply existing as a teenager is an overwhelming experience. There’s growing, questioning, exploring…and it’s happening all at once.
In this space, we can talk about it all—friends, identity, anxiety, family, sexuality, or whatever’s been heavy to carry. I aim to help teens feel safe enough to be themselves, and ultimately, know that exactly who they are is enough.
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You might be used to putting on a brave face—while inside, you're questioning everything about yourself. Because you’re always comparing yourself to others, self-doubting, and always feeling “less” are your norms.
In therapy, we’ll take time to untangle those beliefs to build self-trust, soften shame, and help you feel more solid (and confident) in the real you.
Getting Things Started
01.
Reach out.
Schedule a consultation for a no-pressure conversation to see if we’re the right fit.
02.
Begin the work.
We’ll take our time, get to know what’s been showing up for you lately, and work to help you feel more alive.
03.
Reconnect with yourself.
Begin to build trust in who you are, and show yourself the kind of kindness you’ve always offered everyone else.
BE HELD
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BE SEEN
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BE CELEBRATED
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BE HELD ﹡ BE SEEN ﹡ BE CELEBRATED ﹡
Come be held, seen, and celebrated for all that you are.
Convenient sessions available in-person and online based in Queens, NY.