Counseling Testimonials

I originally saw Dianne because of marital problems. I was very unhappy, highly depressed and racked with guilt because of impending divorce. I had pretty much made up my mind that splitting up was best but was having a hard time sorting through the myriad of emotions. It was a very difficult time in my life and she really helped me figure out what was best for me. Emotional issues are complex and as I untangled my struggles with the marriage I also found some unresolved family problems that also contributed to my lifelong struggle with depression.

She was so supportive and helpful. I don't believe that my life would be as rich without her. I'm happily divorced and seeing someone that is wonderful. My relationship with my family has also improved dramatically. I worked through so much with her help, there's no way I can ever thank her enough. Any time people ask for a recommendation I always send them to Dianne!
Client: Male musician/band member

Dear Dianne,

I wanted to thank you for the help you provided me in counseling during the spring and summer of 2008. I was going through a rough time and you helped me put things into perspective and gave me some tools to help me deal with them.

It was difficult to talk to someone about what was bothering me at first, but you have a calm and reassuring way, which made it easier. Talking through things made me look at them, and myself, in a different and more positive way. I was able to move on after that and look at things in a different way. I have been more positive, relaxed and confident as a result. Thanks again for your help!
Client: Male, single father of two

I sought out Dianne's help when I was in my second year of graduate school studying to become a therapist myself. In one week, I found out I was pregnant and my mom died unexpectedly at the age of 58. I was working and in school and really needed someone help me to process my feelings about my mom's death and becoming a new mom while finishing my master's degree. The compassion and empathy that I felt in counseling with Dianne helped me to go through the grief process and prepare myself to be a good mom to my new baby. Dianne was an incredible support to me, and I will always be grateful to her.
Client: Age 33, Married, Mother, Graduate of Master’s in counseling program

I began seeing Dianne Stegbauer in 2003 during a time when several notable bad events in my life compounding at once, prompting me to consider counseling. I had many troubles for years, and they became worse. My best friend had been seeing Dianne for years beforehand, and having noticed a distinct change in her demeanor, I sought out Dianne to see if she could produce the same changes for the better. Although I was obstinate and reticent to enter counseling, I knew I had many agonizing personal problems which needed professional help. Seeing Dianne would prove to be one of the best decisions I ever made for myself.

After several sessions I eventually warmed up to Dianne and soon grew to depend on our weekly sessions for my overall mental well being. Her approach was always patient and perceptive, her conduct always soothing. She was someone whom I opened up to surprisingly quickly. I've always been stubborn by nature, but Dianne's calmness made an effect on me to place my trust in her. Such an attentive manner helped me confront my issues and work to understand and solve them. When she had me delve deeper into my negative childhood and my current troubles with women, often she routed me into answering my own questions. She knew me as a writer, therefore encouraging me to use writing exercises and assignments as a method of exploring myself. Often such a method had me arriving at my own grand realizations--proving the answers were always there, I simply needed the kind and proper guidance to find them. She has proven to me that the therapy she provides has been crucial to having a better understanding of myself and the proper direction for a better future. I'm very grateful of Dianne.
Client: Married, writer, working on becoming a student at UW next year