We recently connected with Diana Canfield and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Diana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

I have been in several positions where my boss created a toxic environment. Micromanagement, bullying, pitting employees against one another etc. My goal when I began hiring contractors was to first and foremost create a warm, supportive environment for them. I strive to listen, support and value my contractors. I believe in them and want to encourage them to reach their full potential and enjoy their work.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I own and operate a counseling practice with approximately 20 therapists. We see teens and adults for a variety of mental health issues. We provide individual, couples and family counseling and occasionally offer group therapy. We see people in person in 2 locations (Mesa and North Phoenix, AZ) and also provide telehealth sessions. We are LGBTQIA allied and informed. Several of our therapists offer EMDR therapy.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One job I had was incredibly difficult. It was in a prison setting and the clients (inmates) were being treated inhumanely. I spoke up at the torture that was happening and was targeted, set up and pushed out of the job. I filed a whistle blower lawsuit to take back my reputation and to protect the clients who were being mistreated. Along with my amazing attorney, we went to a federal level to make sure these atrocities were not happening in prisons in that state.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I needed to unlearn the work work work message in this country. As a therapist, we take on so much of clients’ pain, emotions, trauma. We have to take care of ourselves in order to assist others in their healing. I had to learn rest, balance and self care above productivity. I strive to teach this to those I mentor.

Contact Info:

• Website: Canfieldcounseling.org
• Instagram: @canfieldcounseling
• Facebook: @canfieldcounseling
• Linkedin: Diana Canfield