Vital Voyage
Author of the Month:
Diane Chrestman, LCSW
Author of the Month is a spotlight series honoring one standout contributor whose voice, expertise, and impact have made a significant difference in mental health education and recovery awareness. Each month, we feature one author’s most powerful articles, insights, and personal story.
Author of the Month Posts
A Conversation With Diane
Favorite Quote
Gone, gone, gone to the other shore, attaining the other shore, on having never left.
The Heart Sutra
Diane Chrestman, LCSW
Publishers Note
What I appreciate about Diane Chrestman is the compassion she brings to understanding emotional pain. Her writing invites us to look more closely at our responses—with curiosity and less self-judgment—and consider possibilities we may not have seen before.
As a licensed clinical social worker, Diane draws on clinical practice and her personal study of Buddhist traditions. I found her book, Zenergy Mindfulness: The Intersection of Buddhist and Energy Psychology for Mental Health and Wellness, fascinating, particularly the journey that shaped her approach to helping others.
At Vital Voyage, we value voices that make thoughtful ideas accessible and give readers something meaningful to consider in their own lives. Diane brings that quality to our pages. We’re pleased to welcome her as November’s Author of the Month, and I encourage you to spend time with her series.
Tom O’Connor
Publisher, Vital Voyage Blog
BIO
Diane Chrestman, LCSW is a licensed counselor in Atlanta and owner of Authentic-Life Counseling.
Chrestman frequently uses non-faith-based Buddhist teachings in her work with clients and couples. Chrestman also presents keynotes and mindfulness training to organizations, schools, and non-profits.
Her hobbies include gardening, spending time with the two- and four-legged sentient beings that live with her, and watercolor painting.
Why This Series Matters
This series reflects Vital Voyage’s mission to tell recovery stories that matter.