Rachel Diamond Bio Page | Adler University

Request Information

Overview

While I have my own philosophy of change as it relates to working with relational systems, I respect students’ autonomy in developing their own theory of therapy. I align with the common factor principle of allegiance: the benefit of a therapist’s commitment to and belief in their model of therapy. In other words, I believe therapists are best able to create therapeutic change if they are utilizing an approach that is a good “fit” for them. Therefore, I strive to provide a supervisory context that allows trainees to explore approaches to therapy in order to find this fit.

In addition, as the Clinical Training Director I see it as my job to develop high-quality training sites in a variety of settings in order to meet the diverse professional development goals of students in the program. By developing relationships with new and varied sites, students are afforded the opportunity to work with diverse client populations and treatment issues. This, as well, allows students to develop their own theory of therapy.

Education

Postdoctoral Fellowship, The Family Institute at Northwestern University
Ph.D., Marriage and Family Therapy, Saint Louis University
M.A., Community Counseling & Research in Family Therapy, Saint Louis University
B.A., Psychology & Spanish Language Literature, Marquette University

Areas of Expertise and Academic Research Interests

Medical Family Therapy
Perinatal Mental Health
Divorce and Remarriage
Couple and Family Therapy

Professional and Academic Positions of Note

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT), IL
Clinical Fellow, American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Approved Supervisor, American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT)

Professional Memberships

American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT)
Clinical Member & Approved Supervisor, Collaborative Family Healthcare Association (CFHA)

Select Publications

Diamond, R., Brown, K.S., & Miranda, J. (2020). Impact of COVID-19 on the perinatal period through a biopsychosocial systemic framework. Contemporary Family Therapy, 42(3), 205-216. doi: 10.1007/s10591-020-09544-8
Diamond, R. M., & Parker, M. L. (2018). Development of the Divorce Initiation Inventory. Contemporary Family Therapy, 40(4), 346-356, DOI: 10.1007/s10591-01809463-0
Diamond, R. M. (in press). Infertility and pregnancy loss in couple and family therapy. In J. Lebow, A. Chambers, & D. Breunlin (Eds.-in-Chief), Encyclopedia of couple and family therapy. New York, NY: Springer.
Wagner, A., & Diamond, R. M. (2017). Families of divorce. In, S. Browning & B. van Eeden-Moorefield (Eds.). Contemporary families at the nexus of research and practice. New York, NY: Routledge.
Diamond, R. M., Brimhall, A. S., & Elliott, M. (2017). Attachment and relationship satisfaction among first married, remarried, and post-divorce relationships. Journal of Family Therapy, 40, S111-S127. DOI:10.1111/1467-6427.12161
Diamond, R. M., Brimhall, A. S., & Bramesfeld, K. (2017). Got trust? A mixed-method consideration of how past relationships influence perceptions of trust. Journal of Divorce & Remarriage, 58 (1), 64-81. DOI:10.1080/10502556.2016.1268012
Diamond, R. M., & Roose, R. E. (2016). Development and evaluation of a peer support program for parents facing perinatal loss. Nursing for Women’s Health, 20(2). 146-156. DOI: 10.1016/j.nwh.2016.02.001

Select Presentations

Diamond, R., & Parker, M. (2018). “Assessing divorce initiator status in research and clinical practice.” Research discussion presented at the National Conference of the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT), Louisville, KY.
Parker, M., Diamond, R., & Roohr, M*. (2018). “Autism and the family: A solution-focused approach.” 2-hour workshop presented at the National Conference of the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT), Louisville, KY.
Chou, J., Diamond, R. Cooper-Sadlo, S., & Muruthi, B. (2018). “Maternal substance use and structural family therapy.” 1-hour forum presented at the National Conference of the American Association for Marriage & Family Therapy (AAMFT), Louisville, KY.

Awards

2012: Missouri Association for Marriage & Family Therapy Student Scholarship
2011: Raphael J. Becvar Doctoral Student Award for Scholarship and Service
2011: Missouri Association for Marriage & Family Therapy Student Award
2010: Nomination for Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools 2011 Distinguished Thesis Award

Chicago Campus

Located in the heart of the city, the Chicago Campus was designed to provide and inspire the learning and living experience. To that end, we have created an environment that caters to your mental, emotional, and intellectual growth. Our classrooms are bright and spacious with windows to the outside world and the latest technology. In our Library, you will find every resource you need to research, form, and shape your journey. At Adler University, we have more than enough room to share your thoughts and flex your intellect.