From Your Counselor, Diane Chrestman, LCSW
I often use the imagery of the sky to reflect the tranformative process of therapy.
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Your capacity for transformation, like the sky,
is spacious, infinite, and ever-changing.
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Emotional well-being and relationships like the sky
are sometimes calm and radiant, other times stormy,
but always expansive and full of possibility.​
Diane Chrestman
Therapy and Counseling Services in Suwanee, Ga and Nearby Areas
At Authentic-Life Counseling in Suwanee, GA, Diane Chrestman, LCSW, provides therapy for individuals, couples, families, and adolescents. She supports clients not only in Suwanee but also in nearby communities such as Buford, Duluth, Sugar Hill, and Lawrenceville.
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Alongside her clinical training, Diane has deeply practiced mindfulness in the Zen tradition. In 2019, during a retreat at Plum Village Monastery in France, she received the recognition of Caring Presence of the Heart — a spiritual name honoring her commitment to mindfulness in both life and therapy. This experience continues to shape her approach, helping clients discover balance, resilience, and peace in the midst of challenges.
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Diane also brings more than formal education to her work. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Georgia State University, is certified in Clinical Hypnotherapy and Energy Psychology, and has been verified by Psychology Today. In 2019, she published her book Zenergy Mindfulness – The Intersection of Buddhist and Energy Psychology for Mental Health and Wellness.
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Before opening Authentic-Life Counseling, Diane partnered with local service providers to offer counseling and assessment for adults, families, seniors, children, and adolescents.
My Therapy Philosophy
I do not work within the confines of one theoretical perspective. My approach is eclectic, drawing on both traditional and alternative interventions — from evidence-based practices like CBT to mindfulness and energy psychology.
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Most importantly, I focus on providing the most effective tools so you can see the results you’re hoping for. I believe that progress in therapy comes from being an active participant in your own growth. Your experience should feel as unique as you are.
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I deeply admire the courage it takes to seek therapy. Whether you are navigating stress, working through challenges in your relationships, or facing a difficult season in life, counseling can help you discover new perspectives and lasting change. I provide therapy in Suwanee and also serve clients in nearby communities such as Buford, Duluth, Sugar Hill, and Lawrenceville, ensuring support is accessible to those seeking growth and healing.
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Every client’s journey is unique, but having a sense of what to expect can help you feel more comfortable getting started. You can learn more about the first session and the therapy process on my Therapy page
My Book
Zenergy
Mindfulness
I’m pleased to share my book, Zenergy Mindfulness: The Intersection of Buddhist and Energy Psychology for Mental Health and Wellness.
The book explores how mindfulness practices and integrative approaches can support emotional balance, resilience, and connection to your deeper self.
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It includes evidence based practices that align our subtle energy with healtheir mental and emotional balance. Through personal stories and step-by-step protocols, Zenergy Mindfulness guides you toward greater calm, clarity, and awareness, even in the midst of life’s challenges.
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Would you like to read an excerpt or purchase the book?
