Diode De Dios, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker #110081

Location: Online, San Diego, CA

Pronouns: she/they

For the Early-Career Queer Filipina/o/x Professional in a Helping Field Who Feels Stretched Too Thin

Do you ever feel like you should have it all together—a thriving career, a packed schedule, and big ambitions—while inside you battle anxiety, exhaustion, and the nagging feeling that you’re never enough? You face conflicting pressures: on one hand, Filipino cultural values urge you to give everything to others even when you’re drained; on the other, your professional and personal roles demand constant excellence. As you’re still learning the ropes in your helping field, you often hesitate to ask for help, fearing that any hint of vulnerability might deepen your burnout. You find yourself swinging between diving in at 100% for your passions and burning out so completely that all you want to do is hide away.

If this resonates, we might be a great fit. I help early-career queer Filipina/o/x helping professionals in their 20s and early 30s overcome perfectionism and self-doubt, set healthy boundaries, clarify their values, and balance their energy—so they can live authentically while honoring their cultural heritage.

My approach blends practical, evidence-based tools such as CBT and ACT with a warm, holistic perspective that respects your unique journey. We’ll work together to build simple, actionable strategies that help you adapt to life’s challenges with flexibility, while reclaiming rest as a radical act of self-care. By integrating somatic practices, you’ll tap into your body’s innate wisdom, and by connecting with supportive communities, you’ll experience healing that goes far beyond our sessions. With a dash of thoughtful humor and creative expression, we’ll lighten the load and uncover fresh insights on your path to balance and authenticity. If you’re ready to stop running on fumes and start living a balanced, authentic life, let’s talk.

My Story

Hello and kumusta! I’m Diode, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who earned my Master of Social Work at USC (Fight On, Trojans!) and is based on Kumeyaay land in San Diego. I’m a queer Filipinx American (she/they) and a proud middle child of parents who immigrated from Zambales, Philippines.

Throughout my journey—as a teacher, social worker, hospice grief counselor, and nonprofit professional—I felt immense pressure to have it all together, even while wrestling with self-doubt and heavy cultural expectations. With the support of community, therapy, and a growth mindset, I learned that transformation isn’t about perfection; it’s about showing up authentically, setting clear boundaries, and filling your own cup while living in alignment with your deepest values.

I love seeing those in the helping field transform from burnout and exhaustion into a state where they can shine their light—giving their gift from a place of joy and fullness rather than from resentment or depletion. As Joel Leon says, “the work we do on ourselves manifests in the way we show up for others.”

When I need to recharge, I turn to creativity—whether I’m painting, sketching, playing music, or simply rearranging rocks on a nature walk. I also love diving into an eclectic mix of books, volunteering for causes close to my heart, and occasionally taking silent meditation retreats (seriously powerful stuff). And nothing recharges me more than singing karaoke, sharing good food with even better company, and spending time with my pups.