Diane Byster, MFT, NCC

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

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Corporate Trainings

A Critique of Career Self-Reliance

1.5 hour seminar designed to teach employees about the prevailing model for managing work life. The presentation examines the merits and limitations of this model. Case examples from industry demonstrate the dangers of employing this approach. Alternative strategies are discussed.

Stress Management

1.5 hour seminar designed to help participants understand the stress response including evolutionary biology, causes and symptoms. Seminar will also give a battery of 10 stress management tools. Participants will develop a personalized action plan to manage stress and practice 1 stress reduction technique.

Time Management

1.5 hour seminar designed to help participants identify primary time related problems and explore relationship to time. Will also teach alternative theories about time. The second portion of the seminar will be devoted to helping participants clarify priorities and developing a plan to actualize them. Participants will learn new, more effective ways to work with time beyond the traditional management techniques.

Stop Procrastinating

1 hour seminar. Participants will assess their own reasons for procrastination and also learn theories about why people procrastinate. Participants will learn 10 different tools to manage procrastination.

Goal Setting

1.5 hour seminar which will teach participants the characteristics of achievable goals. Participants will also learn specific strategies to set and reach goals and avoid traps that lead to self-sabotage. Participants will develop a personalized action plan that aligns their goals with core values.

Building a Positive Attitude

1.5 hour seminar in which participants will define positive attitude, assess their own attitude and learn the benefits of having a positive attitude. Participants will learn three techniques to cultivate a positive attitude and develop a personalized action plan to maintain a positive attitude.

Overcoming Depression

1.5 hour seminar that will teach participants about different types and causes of depression. Participants will also learn to identify their own triggers for depression. The second half will address 4 primary areas to manage depression including: ways of thinking, activities and behaviors, social support, and self-care strategies. Participants will practice a few techniques during session and leave with a personalized action plan.

Beating the Holiday Blues

1.5 hour seminar in which participants will assess their expectations and understand dynamics that lead to holiday disappointment. Participants will learn 15 strategies to alter old patterns associated with holiday turmoil and develop a personalized action plan to increase fulfillment.

Effective Communication

1 hour seminar will teach participants two theoretical frameworks to understand patterns of communication. Participants will also learn a variety of tools to become both a better speaker and listener. Seminar will provide participants an opportunity to practice new skills and time for discussion.

Working With Difficult People

1 hour seminar to help participants increase self-awareness about the part they play in relationship to difficult people. Participants will learn 8 strategies to make these relationships less stressful and more productive. Participants will have an opportunity to practice some of these strategies and discuss results.

How to Run a Meeting

1 hour seminar designed to help managers arrive at meetings more prepared and facilitate meetings productively. Managers will learn the 7 ingredients of effective meetings and the 9 skills of being an effective manager. There will be opportunity for case study and discussion.

The Road to Balance: Work, Relationships and Self

1 hour seminar designed to help participants understand the concept of balance and how it applies in their current circumstances. Participants will identify priorities and barriers to achieving them. Participants will develop a personalized action plan to create balance and learn 10 tools to support it.

Prospering Through Change

1.5 hour seminar designed to inform participants about global economic trends that impact work-life. Participants will learn about the stages of change through two models and identify where they are in the process. Participants will also develop a personalized action plan to manage change effectively.

Information Interviewing

1 hour seminar designed to help participants create effective informational interviews. Topics include: the hidden job market, the benefits of information interviewing, how to best prepare for information interviews, setting up meetings effectively, and what to do during and after the interview.

Designing Your Own Internship

1.5 hour seminar to help college students and re-entry workers create their own internships. Topics include the following: definition, benefits of creating an internship, the role of self-assessment, researching the open and hidden markets, essential strategies for self-promotion, selecting an appropriate site, ten strategies to succeed at the placement and ten competencies employers look for.

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