Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Mayorga Vogel, LMFT.
Hi Diana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I went back to school full-time at age 30. I mention that because I want others to know it’s never too late to start your journey, 30, 40, 60…..you’ll never regret trying, accomplishing, no matter how old you are. By this time, I had just had my second child and tipped the scales at 265lbs. As I went through my training as a therapist, I thought I would never be believable as long as I struggled with my own health. So in 2011, I had weight loss surgery, lost 120lbs, and have since ran the LA Marathon twice and became a Spartan with a Trifecta. Gaining control of my physical health impacted my mental health so much so that it is now the focus of my practice, treating physical and mental health because they are not independent of one another.
I would go on to be a speaker, educator and host of national conferences that focused on battling obesity. This lead to several appearances on TLC’s My600lb Life as a therapist, guests on podcasts and the opportunity to pitch my own show to major networks. Currently, I have a private practice where I work with couples, individuals and those focusing on weight loss, and am a Graduate Professor at Pepperdine University School of Psychology and Education where I teach multicultural counseling, advocacy and addiction courses.
As a Spanish Native American raising mixed children, it is my life’s mission to be a citizen therapist. A professional that not only works one on with individuals but one that creates change in their community and beyond.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Born and raised in Los Angeles county, I was the first one in my family to graduate from college (16 aunts and uncles, 50+ cousins, all from Los Angels). As a kid, I spent a lot of time in the waiting room of therapists offices while my mom was in session (attempting to process her childhood trauma) that was my first introduction to therapy. Because seeking help became normalized through that experience, I sought out therapy in my late teens when my past traumas started to make an appearance. I returned to therapy again with my then boyfriend before we got married. The marriage counseling experience was so life-changing that I knew right then and there I was going to be a therapist.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
What’s in a name……well everything. My style is direct and hard-hitting. It’s a swift kick in the ass you didn’t know was coming. While building my practice as a young therapist, I tried to get a feel for my style what was my approach. I decide to stay true to who I am, stay genuine and authentic, and that meant I was going to be direct. By nature, I am a straight shooter. I pride myself in having the ability to empathize and translate issues in a way that helps my clients create meaningful change in their lives. I’m not for everyone, and I like it that way.
My goal is pass on what I know to be true. That we are powerful. That we are capable of overcoming even the hardest of situations. That we are not our trauma, and we do not have to survive it but can thrive despite it. I know for sure that our physical health and mental health are intertwined and that when in turmoil, we must address both to fully live as intended.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Contentment. Being content at every stage of my growth both personally and professionally, no matter what comes next, I’ll be happy right where I am. People fear that satisfaction kills motivation, not true. When I am content/happy/satisfied, I am at peace to make my next decision, there is no inner turmoil around decision making. I can keep going or stay put….and be happy. It’s ok to want more, to do better for yourself, but if you don’t practice gratitude along the way and learn how to be content, you will never be happy, you will always be searching.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://thesassytherapist.com/
- Instagram: @TheSassyTherapist
- Facebook: The Sassy Therapist
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/diana-vogel-lmft-los-alamitos
