Finding BRILLIANCE in transformation
Diamonds
Diamonds are formed from carbon dust, are Forged in volcanic fires, and then they are cut, shaped and polished to bring out their Potential to sparkle and shine. The chemical structures of diamonds make them extremely hard, strong, rigid and difficult to contaminate. The specific elements that do "contaminate" diamonds give them their unique colors. Like diamonds, people are often molded into rigid, inflexible stones by the fires of life. Diamond Hearted Industries seeks to help those who feel drained and beaten by life. We aim to teach these "diamonds in the rough" survival techniques to help them survive during crisis moments, cognitive restructuring techniques to replace rigid thought processes, and life skills to help them find their unique Sparkle and Color.
How We Do It
Diamond Hearted Industries takes an allegorical approach to therapy; a style that blends art with technique. Pulling from various psychological approaches such as Existential Therapy, Narrative Psychology, Art Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, to name a few, we believe that mental angst is an important part of the human experience. More importantly, we are convinced that avoiding these problems leads to mental illness whereas learning to navigate these anxieties is the key to mental wellness.
Just as the extreme heat allows the diamonds to become more pliable, it is learning to face the fires in our lives that build flexibility and resilience within us. Just as every diamond is unique, so is every person, that is why Diamond Hearted industries uses a person-centered (customized) approach to treatment. Utilizing each individual interests, strengths, weaknesses, and abilities, to formulate treatment modalities that are crafted to fit each client's specific goals.
Who Am I?
My name is Sherri and I am the founder of Diamond Hearted Industries. I am the mother of three, wife of one, and master of none lol. I knew I wanted to be a therapist since high school but becoming a teen mother derailed what I thought to be great life plans. Giving up a full-ride scholarship, I turned my focus to becoming the best wife and mother I could. Eventually, however, I went on to pursue my dreams balancing full-time housewife duties with school. I earned a bachelor's in psychology from the University of Maryland, University College and a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from Johns Hopkins University.
From there I went on to work in various settings (hospital, schools, community clinics) before deciding to start my own practice. I have worked with people from various backgrounds and experiences but my specialties are in trauma, family dynamics, relationships, substance use, depression, and anxiety.
I share a bit of my story as a snapshot of both my personality and approach to therapy. I do not see myself as an expert but as a mutual participant in life and for those interested in a sort of "backseat driver" offering guidance and direction. I do not have all the answers and I am by no means perfect. I do, however, know what it is like to struggle and I know what it is to find peace.
If you will allow me, I would love to take part in your journey towards peace and brilliance. Let's shine together!
