Dr. Mariela Diocares began her career in mental health after receiving a B.S.O.E. specializing in psychology, sociology, and criminology in 2007. At that time, she began working as a crisis counselor for the Suicide Hotline. She specifically worked with children in foster care and group homes who were experiencing crisis situations.
In 2010, Dr. Diocares completed a Master of Arts in Counseling and was able to assist in implementing mental health resources and additional awareness for behavioral health services in various settings, including school districts. Dr. Diocares completed a Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology in 2015. Dr. Diocares dedicated her dissertation research on burnout and self-care practices in a clinical setting.
Most recently, Dr. Diocares worked as a mental health provider in a school district she provided counseling, parenting classes, community resources, and crisis interventions for children and their families. Dr. Diocares was also a faculty member in the College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at a local university since 2016. Additionally, Dr. Diocares has served on dissertation committees and has experienced as a dissertation chair.
Dr. Diocares is also a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist focused on family dynamics. Additionally, she has been trained/certified in the following, to name a few:
Crisis Management, including suicide prevention and intervention
Conflict Resolution
Gottman Institute: Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Trauma-Informed Care Practices
Solution Focused Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
Client-Centered Therapy
Gestalt Therapy
Existential Therapy
Play Therapy: Children
Dr. Diocares is a current member of the International Association of Trauma Professionals™ . Dr. Diocares is also an ordained minister.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Diocares delights in spending time with her children and enjoys engaging in yoga (which she absolutely loves!) as a self-care activity.
