Diana Payseno

Qualifications & Experience

I have a BA in Psychology from the University of Washington Tacoma and an MA in Mental Health and Clinical Counseling from Colorado Christian University. I am also working toward my PhD in Counseling and Psychological Studies, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy.

My Call to Christian Counseling

I believe we are living in a time when mental health struggles are widespread, yet often overlooked or stigmatized. Through my work as a Christian counselor, I am passionate about bringing greater awareness to these challenges and helping those who are struggling find hope, healing, and restoration.

I have always been deeply empathetic, and people have naturally felt comfortable opening up to me. I have a genuine desire to understand each person’s story—their background, experiences, and the journey that has shaped who they are. I don’t just want to address what is happening on the surface; I am committed to helping uncover and work through the root of the issues so that true, lasting healing can take place. I believe there is great value in being truly seen and known, and I strive to come alongside my clients with compassion as they pursue healing.

At the heart of my work is a deep desire to help individuals build a stronger, more personal relationship with God. I believe that true and lasting healing happens when we are rooted in Him. Over time, I recognized that my ability to connect with others on both an emotional and spiritual level was not by chance, but a calling from God.
I believe He has equipped me with these gifts for a purpose, to walk alongside others in their struggles and help guide them toward deeper healing, a closer relationship with Him, and a more fulfilling life.

More About Me/On a Personal Note

Outside of my work, I truly enjoy spending time in the outdoors with my husband and our two children. Whether it’s taking long road trips to the beach or the mountains, camping, hiking, paddle boarding, or snowboarding in the winter, being in nature is something that brings me joy and refreshment.

I am also passionate about health and wellness and enjoy living a lifestyle that supports both physical and mental well-being. In my free time, I love homemaking, cooking healthy meals, and expressing creativity through crafts, art, and music. I also have a love for traveling and creating meaningful experiences with my family.

Areas of Expertise/Specialties

• Anxiety
• Chemical Dependency
• Coaching
• Couples Counseling
• Codependency
• Depression
• Eating Disorders
• Family Counseling
• Grief and Loss
• Individual Counseling (Adult women only)
• Infidelity and Affairs
• Marriage Counseling
• OCD
• Online Counseling
• Personal Development
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Premarital Counseling
• Professional Development
• Relationship Issues
• Sex and Porn Addiction
• Sexual Abuse
• Spiritual Development
• Trauma
• Women’s Issues

Anxiety

Dealing with anxiety can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t have the tools to manage it effectively. Together, we will explore the root causes of your anxious thoughts and develop practical strategies to help you navigate and reduce these symptoms.

I will incorporate Cognitive Behavioral techniques, helping you identify and challenge negative thought patterns, along with mindfulness practices to help you slow down, de-escalate anxious spirals, and stay grounded in the present moment. I also integrate a biblical perspective, encouraging you to take every thought captive and align it with truth. Scripture reminds us that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. Through this combined approach, I will help you develop tools to regain a sense of control and experience freedom from the anxious thoughts that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Depression

Depression can take many forms and vary in intensity, but no matter how it shows up, it can make even the simplest tasks feel heavy and overwhelming. It can impact your mood, energy, relationships, and overall sense of hope. In our time together, you don’t have to have everything figured out. We will move at a pace that feels right for you. I will come alongside you with compassion as we gently explore what may be contributing to how you’re feeling, creating space for understanding, healing, and relief. Together, we will begin to identify small, meaningful steps toward restoring your well-being. My hope is to help you rediscover a sense of purpose, light, and joy while reminding you that you are not alone in this and that healing is possible, even if it feels distant right now.

Marriage and Couples Counseling

Marriage is a beautiful and sacred covenant, designed by God to reflect love, unity, and commitment. While it can come with its own set of challenges, it is absolutely possible to cultivate a deeper understanding, connection, and sense of purpose within your relationship. In our sessions, I integrate biblical principles alongside evidence-based approaches such as the Gottman Method, which focuses on managing conflict constructively and building shared meaning. My goal is to support you in creating a secure, loving partnership where both individuals feel valued, heard, and understood. Together, we will develop practical strategies to navigate challenges, improve communication, and strengthen your bond. As we work toward restoring connection, my hope is to help you rediscover the joy of being together and align your relationship more closely with God’s design for marriage.

Trauma

Experiencing trauma can deeply impact your sense of safety and identity. The effects can feel overwhelming, but healing is possible, and you don’t have to walk through it alone. In our sessions, I take a trauma-informed, person-centered approach, creating a supportive space where you can process your experiences at your own pace. I place a strong emphasis on verbal processing, helping you put words to what you’ve been through so that healing can begin at a deeper level. My goal is to help you not only cope, but truly break free from the weight of what you’ve been carrying. By integrating elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we will work together to identify triggers and beliefs connected to your experiences. We will also develop practical coping strategies and self-care tools to help you regulate emotions and restore a sense of control.

Through this process, my hope is that you will experience greater freedom and the ability to move forward with strength and renewed purpose.

Grief and Loss

Experiencing the loss of a loved one or something deeply meaningful can have a profound impact on your emotional and mental well-being. Grief is a natural and deeply personal response to loss, and there is no “right” way or timeline to move through it. In our sessions, I provide a compassionate and supportive space where you can process your grief openly and authentically. I will listen attentively to your unique story and experiences without judgment, allowing you the freedom to express whatever you are feeling. Together, we will gently navigate the complex emotions that come with loss, creating space for both sorrow and healing. While grief may not simply go away, my hope is to help you carry it in a way that feels more manageable, while gradually finding moments of peace and hope again. I also believe that God is near to the broken hearted and offers comfort in the midst of pain. Through faith, there can be a sense of peace and reassurance that you are not alone, even in your deepest sorrow.

Availability (by office location):

• Kent – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
• Online (WA Only) – Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Fees: I offer a Risk-Free Initial Session for individuals and couples looking to pursue counseling with me. Please note that there is a fee for the Risk-Free Initial Session as it is a clinical hour and reimbursable to most insurance companies, but if you choose not to reschedule and continue therapy after the initial session the entire fee for the session will be waived. For ongoing treatment the full fee per session is required at the time of service.

Insurance: As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Associate (LMHCA), some insurance companies will reimburse for a portion of my services (as an Out of Network Provider). Please consult with your insurance provider as to whether they specifically cover individuals and couples.

Receipts/Statements: In the event you require a printed or digital receipt, I will provide receipts for personal use, insurance reimbursement, Flex Spending Accounts (FSA), and Health Savings Accounts (HSA).

Payment options: Cash, Check, or Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). A fee of up to 4% per transaction may be added for credit card payments.