Diane Hilleary, LCSW

Diane Hilleary is the founder and director of Atlanta Center for Self-Compassion. She has a bachelor’s degree from Emory University and Master’s in Social Work from the University of Georgia. Diane has more than 15 years experience as a trauma-informed, mindfulness-based psychotherapist and has worked extensively with clients struggling with eating disorders, addiction, anxiety, depression, and intergenerational trauma in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Diane leads workshops, trainings, and retreats for professionals and corporations on the topics of stress-reduction, mindfulness, self-compassion, and embodiment. Diane is intensively trained in Mindful Self-Compassion and Dialectical Behavior Therapy. 

A Word from Diane:

I founded the Atlanta Center for Self-Compassion, because I believe so strongly in the profound transformative power of Mindful Self-Compassion practices.

All of us struggle with an inner critic that nags us about the ways we are falling short. When we fail to live up to our own expectations we feel there must be something wrong with us, something horrible and shameful.  Mindful self-compassion is the first step in emotional healing. The principles of MSC, when practiced over time, allow us to turn turn down the volume on our inner critic and instead acknowledge our difficult thoughts and feelings with a spirit of openness, curiosity and love.

I have been teaching mindfulness and emotion regulation skills for over 15 years in individual therapy, groups and workshops. I truly love what I do!

My work is research based, trauma-informed, and infused with spirituality and social justice to empower you to find freedom from shame and live with more compassion toward yourself and the world.

When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, our two dogs, two cats, and any other wayward animals who wander into out lives. I love Broadway musicals, classic SNL, catching up with girlfriends, and extended family game nights. I also find joy in the perfect sarcastic gif sent at the right moment.