Diane Byster, MFT, NCC

Psychotherapist and Career Counselor
667 Lytton St, Suite 7, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Phone: 650-482-9577. Email:

Long-Format Workshops

Career Counseling Theory and Practice: The Basics and Beyond

A four-part series taught in 3 hour modules to provide multiple theoretical frameworks to understand the counseling relationship. Counselors will learn and practice new skills through case studies and exercises. Intended to raise counselor self-awareness and provide more effective counseling. Topics include: assumptions of the counseling relationship, rationale for short-term counseling, active listening skills, differentiation of the counselor, situations that rouse counselor anxiety, how to manage anxiety, agenda setting, strategies for effective client confrontation, the role of chance events, goal setting, etc.

Meets 4 sessions, 3 hours each.

Coming Home: Weaving Together Work, Spirit and Judaism

The question should not be, "What do I want to be?" The question is, "What does G-d want me to be?" from Thou Shalt Not Want, by Rabbi Ezriel Tauber.

Rabbi Tauber’s quote underscores the separation that many modern day Jews experience between their work and spiritual lives. How can we express our soul through both our choice of livelihood and the way we conduct ourselves in the workplace?

Please join us when we explore how Jewishness and soul life manifest in our daily work lives. We will use a variety of learning methods to address this, including selected readings from Jewish texts, group discussions, personal writing, visualization, art, meditation and improvisation. You will have the opportunity to reflect on your past work, examine your current situation, and cultivate images and ideas that best fit who you are and where you are going. Facilitators will create a safe environment to support inner exploration and a shared group experience. No previous art or writing experience is necessary.

Meets 2 sessions, 4 hours each.

Transforming Transition From Crisis Into Opportunity

Most of us experience transitions through changes in relationships and our work lives. For some, transition represents loss, and for others, a chance at a new beginning. Both are often true. In this experiential workshop, you will have an opportunity to investigate the current transition you face and use this awareness to gain clarity about your life goals. We will use techniques including personal writing, drawing, collage, ritual, visualization, group exercises and discussion in a supportive environment. The first session will address: 1) how you understand your current circumstances, 2) accessing creativity to introduce new perspectives, 3) removing blocks that may interfere with pursuit of goals, 4) developing clarity about career/life goals. The second session will address: 1) managing emotions through transitions, 2) cultivating an authentic image, 3) making appropriate decisions, 4) creating a personal mission statement. No previous art or writing experience is necessary.

Meets 2 sessions, 4 hours each.
"Very helpful, supportive, empowering class environment. I never looked at the clock!"
"Very real techniques, information and insights shared - not a bunch of fluff."

Navigating Your Career Transition Using Journal Writing and Expressive Art

Looking for a new way to explore career planning? This experiential workshop will help you gain clarity about your life/career goals through the use of journal writing and expressive art. You will have the opportunity to practice several writing methods and to share ideas and personal experiences in a supportive environment. No previous journal writing or art experience is necessary. Topics include: 1) accessing creativity to introduce new perspectives, 2) finding clarity about purpose, 3) managing emotions through transitions, and 4) making appropriate decisions.

Meets 1 session, 4 hours.

A Unique Afternoon Retreat

Are you currently facing a major life decision such as a change in career or life style? Are you struggling with issues in a relationship? Do you need a new perspective or creative way of looking at your situation?

In this workshop, we will use journal writing, meditation, expressive arts, group interactions and ritual to work on these issues and others as they arise. We will create a safe, affirming environment where you can tap into your own inner resources, creativity and strength. Bring something to write on and something to write with. Wear comfortable clothes that want you to do art in them. Writing and art expertise are not necessary.

Meets 1 session, 4 hours.

Journal Writing Workshop

Have you always wanted to write in a journal, but never tried? Have you written in a journal previously, and would like a jump-start to begin again? Or, are you currently journal writing and ready to broaden your repertoire of writing techniques? If so, then this workshop is for you! (You don't have to be a writer, or even a good speller, to benefit from this workshop)

Studies have shown that physical and mental health can be improved by keeping a journal of one's innermost thoughts. Personal writing can also assist in managing life transitions, such as career and relationship changes. Many people find that journal writing helps them deepen their relationship with themselves, facilitates self-awareness, reduces stress, and enhances creativity. Kathleen Adams, author of Journal to the Self, calls journal writing; "The 79 cent therapist." This workshop will consist of discussion, lecture, and lots of time to experiment with different journal writing techniques. Topics include writing for:

Meets 1 session, 3 hours

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