Part 2: Close-Up spotlights D.J. Diebold of Diebold Behavioral Counseling

Scotsdale, AZ – In 1974, D.J. Diebold was just another college graduate searching for a job in a recession characterized by high unemployment and high inflation. Desperate to find work, Diebold would accept a position as a youth supervisor for a medium security juvenile prison with a population comprised of individuals representing five rival street gangs.

“I had to learn to survive and conquer my fear every day,” recalls Diebold, “but once you’ve been conditioned to survive an experience like that you develop a certain fearlessness.”

Diebold’s time as youth supervisor would inspire him to become more than just a counselor; he would be an advocate for his clients. Today, Diebold is a board certified, state licensed behavioral health therapist and the founder of Diebold Behavioral Counseling. With over 30 years of experience in addiction counseling, Diebold empowers his clients to achieve their personal goals for recovery through clarity, honesty and compassion.

“How many rooms can you walk into and not be judged?” asks Diebold. “You’re not going to be judged, because I’m not qualified. Until I’m perfect, I’m not qualified to judge you.”

According to Diebold, to fully understand addiction we must first understand the role brain chemistry plays as a person progresses from use to abuse, and finally, to dependency.

“This has nothing to do with a lack of willpower or discipline,” says Diebold. “When we reach the point of dependency, the brain has changed its chemistry and is unable to change back. In order to eliminate these unhealthy behaviors, we’ve got to find the reasons they’re coping inappropriately.”