Diana Giardina. Health & Wellness Peer Supporter
About Diana
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Hi, I’m Diana. Sometimes people appear in your life unexpectedly like a gift from the universe. My personal recovery took off after someone I love overdosed. It was then that I was gifted with the most amazing team, a sponsor, peer supporter and parent partner. They shared recovery tools and the best support I’ve ever had. They helped me gradually change the subsequent chapters of my story from unbearable to empowered and discontented to peaceful. I wish peer supporters had existed far sooner in our lives but thankfully you don’t have to!
Like life, mental health recovery is a journey. At times, the path is sunny, scenic, and easy to travel and sometimes we find ourselves circling back through dark unpredictable storms. I know the fear, frustration, struggles and stigma that mental illness can bring to you or your loved ones. I also know that HOPE and JOY can exist beyond all of it. I was born in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia and grew up in Toms River, NJ (home of the best pizza on the planet!) I obtained my master’s degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and have been a student of life ever since. My vocations have included caregiver, mediator, hypnotherapist and sign language instructor. Advocating for persons who are Deaf or disabled has a special place in my heart.
During the past twenty-two years, I have parented an exceptional child on the spectrum and worked as a life coach and triple certified Health and Wellness Peer Supporter. I have lived experience with eating disorders, self-harm, loneliness, suicidal ideations, depression and emotional dysregulation. Additionally, I have faced medication compliance issues, trauma, anxiety, divorce, and more.
My entire adult life has been dedicated to the ideal of making a difference in the lives of others. I offer a safe haven to those in marginalized communities. I have worked to protect individuals from abuse or neglect and extended a warm shoulder to those in crisis or despair. Like me, you are not your symptoms or diagnosis, you are a beautiful soul who deserves to lighten your heart, lift your spirit and dream.
What can members expect to take away from sessions with you?
In our first session, I will meet you where you are and honor your humanity ALWAYS. I will be present, transparent, listen empathetically, with cultural sensitivity and without judgment. Together, we will create a productive SafeSpace that maintains your dignity and confidentiality.
Each session thereafter, I will share relevant portions of my story with purpose when appropriate. Collaboratively, we will work on coping mechanisms, overcoming barriers, setting boundaries, self-awareness and acceptance. Improving communication, relationship skills and managing your thought patterns and reactions will allow your authentic self to shine through. The realization that you can live your best life, after things like rejection, abandonment, betrayal, and codependency is extremely liberating. We will craft SMART goals for these things and much more. Occasionally, our work will nudge you past your comfort level and invite you to view your challenges through a kaleidoscope of new possibilities so you can achieve inner peace.
The biggest takeaway you will have from each session with me is, YOU MATTER!
Explain to members what areas you feel are your biggest strengths?
I have had the privilege to reimagine my life with the support of some very wise mentors. It is my honor to share what I’ve learned and pay forward the love, hope, compassion, empathy and person-centered care that was showered upon me. I am a loving nurturer and gentle communicator. I am patient, kind, adaptable and persistent. I applaud and celebrate effort. Attempts and misses are not failures. Thomas Edison said, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with a 1,000 steps.” Whatever it takes, one step at a time. We aim for progress not perfection. I champion your well-being and recovery. Seeing a shift in people from despair to even a glimmer of hope is an incredibly precious gift and I am grateful to all the goal keepers like me who guard and share that hope. If you’ve got goals, come be a goal getter with me.
Serves ages
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