Diane is an interactive, solution-focused therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges by integrating complementary methodologies and techniques. She offers a highly personalized approach tailored to each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Diane's journey as a therapist has had many unusual and often, unexpected, twists and turns that make her very knowledgeable and creative in many treatment styles. Her professional history in counseling began in 1978 when she was selected to participate in the AZ Division of Developmental Disability's pilot in-home training program in Tucson. She co-developed learning modules in behavioral modification, independent living skills, video feedback, and psychodrama/ role-play with high-functioning developmentally disabled adults. Her expertise in this novel approach at the time, provided unexpected employment as the director of Israel's first behavioral out-patient / in-home training facility for the developmentally disabled in 1981. She and her staff of four developed Israel's first behavioral modification vocabulary in Hebrew.
Employment as a therapist at a juvenile Residential Treatment Center (RTC) and then as a counselor at an intensive "Street Program" treating referrals from Juvenile Court and Child Protective Services provided many opportunities to explore alternative therapeutic approaches. For example, Diane often used her dog and her horse with handicapped and severely disturbed children. Diane moved to the Phoenix area in 1988. She worked as a therapist at Jewish Family Services and later as a foster care social worker/therapist at the Casey Family Program where she was sent to Oahu, Hawaii for two weeks with one of her foster kids to learn about his culture and background.
Following the adoption of her first child in 1991, Diane began her private practice. While much of her prior experience had focused on children and families, she gradually counseled more individuals and couples who now comprise about 60% of her practice. Via her personal experience with infertility, adoption and raising two special needs children she has developed expertise in working with schools, medical professionals, and psychotropic medications for mood disorders and ADD/ADHD. She assesses, educates and treats Attention Deficit Disorder in adults and children. With compassion, humor and humility, Diane is uniquely equipped to help parents, individuals and couples deal with ADDitude, organizational and relational issues.
Education:
- B.S. Rehabilitation Education. Attended Penn State University 9/72 to 6/74 and University of AZ 8/74 to 12/76.
- MSW : AZ State University 8/81 to 5/83 with Direct Practice, Clinical Social work emphasis.
- Graduate Internships: 1) Pima County Juvenile Court as a Diversion and Intake Probation Officer. 2) Social Work "Extern" at University of Arizona Medical Center"s Outpatient Psychiatry Department doing rotations in individual, child, adult, and group psychotherapy, play therapy, counseling terminally ill children and their families and the in-patient unit.
License, Certifications & Awards
- Arizona Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW-0395
- ABECSW - American Board Certified Social Worker, Board Certified Diplomate ( BCD)
Professional Activities and Memberships
- Member of NASW, National Association of Social Workers, Arizona Chapter
Personal
Diane Goula's sons are now successful adults living away from home. Diane frequently watches The Dog Whisperer with her grand-puppy, Patton, who vocally provides commentary on Cesar's canine clients and their owners. She enjoys Glee, family events, travel and is an avid equestrian. She used to compete in combined training/eventing (tri-cathalon of dressage, stadium jumping and cross-country). Her passion is to explore Arizona by horseback with her friends.