About Me

I am passionate about helping others. My journey began as a Registered Nurse, spending years working in cardiovascular medicine and research. During this time, my self-exploration with a psychotherapist re-ignited my other passion—theatre.  While pursuing my theatre degree and immersing myself in character studies, I became intrigued with a therapeutic approach integrating theatre and psychology. 
​I was fortunate to matriculate at California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco where I received a Masters in Counseling Psychology with a concentration in Drama Therapy. While there, I studied Tibetan Buddhism and spiritual creativity which resulted in my graduate research and thesis: Drama Therapy and Tibetan Buddhism: An Integrated Path to Spiritual Creativity.  Based on this work I conducted weekly drama therapy groups that focused on cultivating compassion, loving kindness, forgiveness and gratitude. Leading these groups for many years taught me that integrating creative arts and spiritual practices in psychotherapy facilitates healing.

I have 20 years experience working in hospital and community based outpatient psychiatric treatment programs as a nurse, case manager, individual, group, family and drama therapist specializing in treating eating disorders and co-occurring disorders of anxiety, depression, bipolar and chemical dependency.
Using creative arts to treat eating disorders, my experiential methods provide individuals with tools to give a voice to their eating disorder and discover their voice of recovery.  My work is featured in the documentary “Expressing Disorder: Journey to Recovery” and my latest video “Unveiling the Hidden Self: Hope and Healing through Drama Therapy” outlines my Five Step process of using masks to assist individuals in separating from their eating disorder critic and integrating a compassionate voice of recovery.

I have presented my experiential work at national conferences, and conducted workshops in local treatment programs and as adjunct faculty at JFK University.  

My therapeutic approach relies on a variety of treatment modalities which stems from my belief that optimal healing, recovery and personal growth are achieved through the integration of mind, body and spirit. 

Testimonials

Carol grasps therapeutic moments that most therapists don’t even see. Because of her exquisite sensitivity, she is able to provide the kind of safe space that is necessary to allow her clients to risk moving into spaces that promise the hope of wholeness.
—Susan Kleinman, MA, BC-DMT, NCC, CEDS | Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist | Certified Eating Disorder Specialist

I have worked beside Carol in eating disorder treatment programs, collaborated with her on clinical consultations, and witnessed her work in groups as well as presenting at national conferences. I hold the highest regard for her work and don't hesitate to consult with her as a colleague and/or send clients to work with her. Carol holds a compassionate presence, capacity to witness, and creates a space for clients to go deeply into their emotional and psychological work. I have seen clients change and transform just by witnessing Carol working with them. Her mask work is deeply transformative and her capacity as an individual therapist is stellar. 
​—Linda Shanti McCabe, PsyD | Psychotherapy & Expressive Arts for Recovery & Motherhood

I was fortunate to work with Carol Dietrich while I was an out-patient for anorexia. At first I was skeptical to the idea of drama therapy, but went along with the program and created my masks of my own eating disorder and mask of compassion. It was truly remarkable how effective, how challenging, how frightening that experience was. Facing your own demons physically and being able to work out some of your most deepest emotions is no simple task.  I am grateful for the experience that Carol challenged me with and helped me conquer. I would highly recommend drama therapy to anyone in need. ​
​—Ami, former client

Carol Dietrich’s work is nothing short of extraordinary! With compassion, creativity, grace, and an open heart, she expertly guides those seeking hope and healing. I highly recommend her to anyone on a journey towards freedom and wholeness.
​—Anita Johnston, Ph.D., author of Eating in the Light of the Moon

I have had the honor of collaborating and working with Carol Dietrich, LMFT for the past ten years. Her expertise in the field both as a psychiatric nurse and psychotherapist allows Carol to treat individuals in a multifaceted manner. Carol is passionate and compassionate to supporting individuals heal in a very empowered and soulful fashion that fosters insight and growth.
—Christine Pappas, MA, Psy.D., CEDS

While a trainee, I had the honor and privilege of witnessing Carol Dietrich in action leading drama therapy groups at El Camino Hospital’s Outpatient Behavioral Health Services Unit. It was inspiring to see how Carol held the severely mentally ill clients with the utmost respect and compassion, while also challenging them to look deeply at their lives and the choices they have made, encouraging them to courageously create changes in their lives. Always creative and insightful, Carol utilized drama therapy methods and traditional talk therapy to support her clients in their struggles and enhance their well being. I was deeply touched and inspired by her work.
​—Nadin Mayblum-Boaz, MA, MFTi