We are pleased to introduce you to Diane Duan, M.A., who recently joined LifeWorks Psychotherapy as a Pre Doctoral Intern for 2022-23.
How did you first learn about LifeWorks?
I initially learned about The Greenhouse Program from my BDSM/Kink Therapist Mentor through the CARAS Mentoring Program (Thank you, Sharon Glassburn LMFT)! During my APA Internship application process, I saw that LifeWorks had a placement available for APA Interns!
What drew you to LifeWorks?
I knew I wanted to work with the kink/BDSM and diverse relationship communities. LifeWorks seemed like the perfect fit. After meeting with Cindy, Betsy, and the Post-Doc Interns, I was even more drawn to their warmth and the commitment to my continuing education and training.
What are you hoping to gain at LifeWorks and how do you imagine it will impact your future?
I am hoping to gain experience with the aforementioned communities, as well as take the time to explore my developing interests in relationship counseling, trauma-informed approaches such as Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal Theory, and Compassion Based Therapy. I hope to gain further insight about how my identities, biases, and privileges affect the therapeutic alliance, gain understanding and competency working with diverse cultures, and learn to manage therapy-client boundaries since I am part of the kinky and non-monogamous communities myself. Ultimately, I hope my training at LifeWorks will contribute to me being the best therapist I can be!
In the short amount of time, since you joined the LifeWorks, what has surprised you most and why?
The ability to set my own schedule and the trust everyone has automatically placed in me to take on the responsibilities and duties expected of a team member. It surprised me because this has not always been my experience at practicum training sites.
Anything else professionally that you are particularly looking forward to this year?
Getting to know everyone at LifeWorks! I hope to build some long-lasting friendships both in and out of the work setting. I’d also like to challenge myself to network and make professional connections for my future career development, perhaps getting started on an AASECT certification!
To learn more about Diane, please visit her bio here