Dyann Bockstahler
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Pronouns: She/Her
Therapeutic Style: Compassionate, Friendly, and Kind
Works with:
- Individuals
- Child/Family
- Teens
*Telehealth only
Who I am as a Therapist
I believe that making the decision to enter therapy requires courage to acknowledge that one needs guidance and hope that one can effect positive change to make one’s life more positive. This can be a scary process as revealing feelings of fear, anger, hopelessness, and uncertainty is necessary to learn how to change. Whether it is as an adult, or parents seeking help for their child/teen, entering therapy involves making oneself vulnerable in order to learn and do better.
As a therapist, I value providing a safe, supportive environment for each client, no matter what their age or cultural background. It is imperative that trust is developed between client and therapist so that change can occur. I value looking with each client at their own unique history so that connections between past and present can be understood. I value teaching strategies and skills in order to learn how to manage emotions and make healthier decisions. I value using a client’s support system and finding additional supports to aid in this journey.
I have clinical experience with an integrated population, primarily Black and white people who made up the racial landscape of the community where I lived and worked for many years. This has enabled me to be more sensitive to cultural differences and similarities and to value both. Listening is a powerful value I embrace to connect with others and provides a safe space to share and be heard.
I also have experience with LBGTQIA+ clients who deserve a safe space to be heard and seek acceptance in finding their voice to be recognized in their families and communities.
My goal when a client enters my office is that this space is emotionally safe so that the client can be honest and be met with respect and positive regard for their capacity to change. This work is hard but will be met with compassion and an ability to take an honest look at what needs to change. I also like to inject humor when appropriate to lighten the intensity of the work and create connection.
“When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control how you respond to what’s happening. That’s where your power is.”
Specialty Areas
Mental Health Challenges
- ADHD
- Aging
- Anger
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Anxiety (General, Panic, Phobias)
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Behavioral Challenges in Children
- Depression
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Grief & Loss
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Life Transitions
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Managing Stress
- Parenting
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School Issues
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Women’s Issues
Therapeutic Approaches
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Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Collaborative Problem Solving (CPS)
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Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS)
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Mindfulness
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Narrative Therapy
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Play Therapy
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Socio-Emotional Relationship Therapy
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Solution-Focused Therapy
Who I am when I’m not a Therapist
I relocated to the Portland area here with my husband from a lifetime spent in the Midwest. The impetus for relocating is to be near family, which is an important part of my life. To that end, I love the landscapes of Oregon and being near the ocean is such a pleasure! Hiking with my daughter and son-in-law is a treasured way to spend an afternoon! I love baking goodies and bread and am focusing on learning more about making vegan main dishes. Time spent reading in the sun is a favorite way to spend time. Being surrounded by my family and extended family is very important to me and holiday dinners are the best.
Education
- MSW from the Jane Addams School of Social Work in Chicago, IL
- BSW from Bethel College , N. Newton, KS.
Training & Experience
- Clinical practice for 23 years in private practice
- School social worker at a therapeutic day school