Diana Sharpe, Psy.D.
PSY 16814
315 Meigs Road #A-211
Santa Barbara, CA. 93109

(805) 564-1178
FAX 805 564-4222
Dr.Sharpe@cox.net

I do both long-term and short-term therapy, depending upon the person and the presenting problem.
My work has a spiritual core to it, as I believe that difficulties in life can also be opportunities for
personal growth and renewal.
The following are specialty areas in my practice:
1.) Life Transitions (including divorce, "mid-life crisis", death, being laid off from work, moving, etc.).
I focus on helping the person not only weather the transition, but to grow from the experience.
2.) Spiritual/Existential Issues. This involves doing therapy with individuals who are questioning
the direction their life is taking and who wish to live their lives more fully. I have taught graduate
level classes in Psychology and Spirituality, and I have used the concepts that I teach in my work
with my clients.
3.) Illness and Disability. For over twenty years, I have worked with individuals who have been
injured or who have grappled with a chronic illness. I have led therapy groups for people with head
injuries as well as groups for individuals with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I have also
counseled individuals who have suffered from Posttraumatic Stress disorder as a result of an injury or trauma.
4.) Vocational and Career Issues. I have been in the field of Vocational Counseling for twenty years and
have served as a Vocational Expert in various court settings. I have a particular interest and skill in working
with people who are making changes in mid-career.
5.) Forensic Work. I conduct psychological evaluations to determine the nature and extent of psychological
disability as well as the current level of psychological functioning. This includes social security, personal injury,
medical malpractice, labor law, and family law cases. I am in a unique position with regards to my expertise
inasmuch as I can bring to the evaluation process the combined knowledge of both vocational and psychological
issues. As such, my work addresses not only the psychological issues involved
in the case, but also how these elements would affect a person’s ability to function in a work-related setting.
6.) Gay and Lesbian Issues. I have done individual and couples counseling with both gay men and lesbian women.