Diana Barkman, LISW

Diana Barkman is a licensed independent social worker with more than 20 years of experience in Ohio. She focuses on practical ways to ease stress, anxiety, grief, and depression. Diana aims to make the first steps feel manageable for people who are nervous about starting therapy.

She creates a calm space where clients can talk through painful experiences. Diana is direct but gentle, and she listens for the thoughts and beliefs that shape feelings and behavior. She helps people notice unhelpful thinking and try different ways of responding.

Her work often addresses trauma and abuse, and she supports people coping with loss and the lasting effects of difficult events. Diana also helps people untangle guilt, shame, and relationship strain that keep them stuck.

She uses approaches that focus on the person in front of her and on changing thought patterns that cause distress. That combination makes sessions down-to-earth and focused on what works day to day. Diana typically offers morning and lunchtime appointments to fit busy schedules.

Clients can expect straightforward conversation, small skills to practice between sessions, and regular check-ins about progress. She encourages people to take the next step and offers help setting goals and planning the first session.

How Diana blends practical approaches with online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening closely and meeting each person where they are. It emphasizes empathy, respect, and supporting the client’s own goals, which helps people feel heard and understood during difficult times.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts influence feelings and actions. It teaches straightforward skills to change unhelpful thinking and try new behaviors, and can be useful for anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma-related reactions.

Choosing the right approach is a shared process. Diana will work with each person to identify goals, try techniques, and adjust the plan based on what feels most helpful. The therapist and client check in about progress and change course when needed.

Online sessions are offered by video, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging. Video is useful for face-to-face conversation and skill practice. Phone can be easier when bandwidth is limited. Live chat and messaging work well for brief check-ins, homework support, and when a shorter touchpoint fits a busy day. These options make it easier to fit therapy into morning or lunchtime routines and help people stay consistent with care.