Kristy Diores

Q&A with Kristy

For starters, tell me a little about yourself

My name is Kristy Diores and I’m a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) with a passion in psychology. I snowboard, run, play video games, and love to eat in my down time. I have gone through therapy myself and understand what it’s like to be in the client seat, having to be vulnerable and open up about situations and issues you may not have told anyone else. It’s scary, but you’re taking a step in the right direction already.

I have, so you can too. I use meditation on a daily basis to stay afloat and keep myself grounded. I also doodle and journal as a way of getting my thoughts in a tangible form. I’ve volunteered with children in literacy programs and seniors to keep them company at the hospice to play games and read to them.

I’ve worked with teenagers and adults in daycare and even various age groups with different disabilities and mental health issues. I continue to strive and open up my experiences to learn about all walks of life, so I’d like to hear about yours.

What's your therapeutic style? What's your approach to therapy? 

My therapeutic approach is rooted in cognitive behavioural therapy and solution-focused therapy. I believe in creating a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I believe in talking through it and being heard. Many of us have already been dismissed and judged in the different relations they have in their personal lives. I won’t. I’ll make sure you’re heard before we collaborate on an action plan together.

I want us to work together in achieving your goals. I want us to talk through your issues and concerns together until it makes sense. Together, we will work towards the path you want and need to step into. I’m here to be a supporting role in your life. I’ll use all my tools to get you there.

Why did you choose psychotherapy?

It was a decade long battle but psychotherapy is where I finally found my home. Where I feel the most connected too. I’ve worked as a Child and Youth Care Worker, an Equivalent Registered Early Childhood Teacher, I have even dived into various social and office roles over the last decade. But talking to another person in an intimate setting and talking about one’s traumas and hurt, being there for others when there’s possible no one else, I want to be that person in your life.

I found psychotherapy was the best way for me to be who I am, an empathic listener, and walk with you on your healing journey. Treating the mind can look different to everyone, which is why I find it highly fascinating that everyone is unique and their own history and lives vary so differently. Different tools can be used to help different people and I love weaving that web into something beautiful, the art of psychotherapy.

What’s your best skill in psychotherapy?

Empathic listening and fostering a non-judgemental free zone. While it sounds obvious that a psychotherapist should have those traits, that’s why I am verbalizing it. So that you understand that it’s a given, that it’s at the core of my practice, to make sure you feel safe and comfortable throughout your time with me.

I’m also skilled at digging deep and finding the bigger picture, building a puzzle with you so that we can make sense of what is going on. I excel at collaborating with you to reach the goals you create. We’ll be walking on your journey but we’ll make it there.

What can clients expect when they work with you? 

Clients can expect moments of silence to reflect. Brief moments of time where we can both process what is going on instead of just continuous talking. Although, I am not opposed to that either. If you need the space to talk, I will give it to you, as it is yours. I am here to create the space you need to grow. We can draw, meditate, talk, sit in silence, cry, and laugh in your space. Let’s find out together what you need and want.

What are some therapeutic values that you bring to the table? 

Integrity, empathy, and a commitment to confidentiality are fundamental values in my practice. I believe in fostering a therapeutic environment that promotes respect, understanding, and empowerment. Additionally, I stay current with the latest research and therapeutic techniques to provide the best possible care. 

My core value is empathy. Everything we do together is driven from empathy, not sympathy, from our sessions. Empathy is the ability to understand and share feelings with others, so I am ready for anything we need to speak about. I won’t get scared and I am prepared to sit with you through everything.

Why choose you?

Because I understand what it’s like for relationships to break. I understand coming from a broken home. I’ve been with people of various age groups with varying degrees of disabilities. I’ve gone through my own set of mental health issues, and still presently doing so. And while this is not everything I have been through, there is much more I have not experienced then have experienced. There’s no way for me too, but that doesn’t make me any less capable of supporting you through your needs and concerns. Just as you’re navigating your troubles, I will be a crutch to help you walk along the path of healing.

I will be here to listen. I will be here to support you, and help you, to the best of my abilities. And I also understand that if you choose me, that can change too, maybe you fit better with someone else. You let me know, and I’ll help find you someone else that will continue to strive for your better health as well.