Diana Kopado
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, AMFT #165796
Gender Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Clinical Approach
Diana is a Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #165796 who approaches therapy with curiosity, compassion, and genuine interest in understanding each person’s story. She believes that so much of who we are is shaped by our experiences, relationships, and the environments in which we grow. Her approach is rooted in the belief that feeling understood and having a space where you can show up as your authentic self can be an important part of creating meaningful change.
Diana works from an attachment-based and systemic perspective, incorporating mindfulness and an appreciation for the ways our thoughts, emotions, and relationships influence one another. She has a particular interest in working with immigrant populations, couples navigating relationship transitions, blended families and stepfamily dynamics, and individuals experiencing the transition into motherhood for the first time.
She recognizes that life’s transitions can bring both growth and unexpected challenges, and values helping clients navigate these experiences with greater understanding, confidence, and self-compassion. She strives to create a therapeutic space that feels welcoming, inclusive, and free of judgment. She values getting to know each client beyond what brings them to therapy, recognizing that every person carries their own experiences, strengths, and perspectives. She approaches her work with thoughtfulness and cultural humility, remaining open to learning from each client’s unique background and lived experiences.
Diana believes therapy is not about having all the answers or becoming someone different. It is about having the opportunity to slow down, become curious about yourself, and make sense of the experiences that have shaped you. She hopes to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships while approaching the process with greater openness and honesty.
Diana is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, currently under the supervision of Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Jenica McKeown, LCSW #62086.
Specialized Trainings
Diana earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She then moved to San Diego to receive her Masters degree in Marital and Family Therapy from the University of San Diego.
Trainings (updates pending):
200hr Yoga Teacher Training, 2026- Vinyasa, Yin, Somatics and Intuitive Movement
Trauma-Informed Care Working with Individuals & Families Impacted by ICE Raids/Deportations, 2025
Her Passions
Outside of the therapy room, Diana enjoys exploring new places, both on her own and with her partner. She has a love for traveling and appreciates the opportunity to experience different places, cultures, and cuisine. She enjoys spending time outdoors, wandering through farmers’ markets, cooking at home, and getting lost in a good book. Diana appreciates a balance of adventure and slower moments, especially those spent connecting with the people she cares about.
What’s your ideal weekend look like?
“My ideal weekend starts with slow mornings and a home-cooked breakfast followed by spending time in nature. I love having time to enjoy the day, and not feeling like I am rushing from one thing to the next. Ideally, I’d spend the evening meeting up with a friend, enjoying good conversation, and ending the night with a warm cup of tea and a book. I really enjoy the simple things and having time to recharge while still making room for connection.”
Why did you decide to become a therapist?
“My decision to become a therapist was shaped by my own experiences in therapy and the impact it had on my life. Having a space where I could feel heard, understood, and supported in exploring parts of myself I hadn't fully understood before showed me how meaningful the therapeutic relationship can be. It inspired me to want to offer that same opportunity to others. One of my favorite quotes a therapist told me that has served me in many areas of my life is: ‘Healing happens in the presence of a loving witness.’ As a first-generation Latina American, I also recognize how our family experiences, cultural backgrounds, and the expectations we grow up with can shape the way we understand ourselves and navigate relationships. These experiences have influenced my interest in understanding people beyond what is immediately visible and appreciating the many layers that make up each person's story. I'm drawn to this work because I genuinely enjoy connecting with people, learning about their experiences, and creating a space where they can feel comfortable being themselves. I don't believe therapy is about having all the answers or telling someone how to navigate their life. I see it as building a relationship where people feel supported enough to be honest, ask questions, and discover new things about themselves along the way."
How would you best describe the process of therapy?
“I see therapy as an opportunity to slow down and spend time understanding yourself in ways that everyday life doesn't always allow. We spend so much time navigating responsibilities, relationships, and expectations that it can be easy to lose sight of what we're feeling, what we need, and why certain things affect us the way they do.”