Education and Professional Experience
Dr. Diederich graduated summa cum laude from Scripps College in Claremont, California. She completed a PhD in Counseling Psychology from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and her internship at Pennsylvania State University’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) in University Park, Pennsylvania. After working at CAPS for five years, Dr. Diederich moved into full time independent practice in the State College, Pennsylvania area, where she has been practicing for the last 10 years. Dr. Diederich has taught undergraduate and graduate level courses at Pennsylvania State University since 2012, including courses in human development, advanced group counseling, and introduction to counseling.
Dr. Diederich has presented regularly since 2005 at the annual American Psychological Association convention and the American Group Psychotherapy Association annual meeting on topics including: group co-leadership, multiculturally competent leadership, interpersonal conflict in process groups, and findings from a practice research network. She has authored or co-authored nine publications (further details about all presentations and publications are available on her CV). She serves as an independent consultant for the Northwest Addiction Technology Transfer Center Network (Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute at the University of Washington) where she trains therapists in group dynamics and interpersonal processes. She has regularly served on the Board of the Society for Group Psychology and Group Psychotherapy (Division 49 of the American Psychological Association) and is currently the Foundation Chair and Associate Editor of The Group Psychologist.
Adhering to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM) qualifications for fertility counselors, Dr. Diederich has completed the ASRM Mental Health Professionals Training Modules, completed courses from leaders in the field, and consults regularly with experienced professionals (including Dr. Julie Bindeman and Dr. John Kurtz).
Maintaining and gaining new knowledge in this complex field is a necessity, and Dr. Diederich’s attendance at the Jefferson Infertility Counseling Conference and ASRM professional developments and discussion groups help maintain the necessary level of competence for the profession. Specialized training in serving the LGBTQ+ community is a priority for her. Dr. Diederich has completed the Family Equality Council's Open Door trainings, the LGBTQ+ Cultural Sensitivity Course focusing on Transgender and Genderqueer clients by Maia Midwifery and Fertility, and continues building her multicultural competence through ongoing consultation groups, readings, and webinars.
She is a professional member of the Donor Conception Network, Donor Conceived Community, Resolve, and Empower with Moxi. She provides reduced cost and pro bono services through Men Having Babies.
