Diane Poole Heller

Diane Poole Heller PhD is an internationally-recognized speaker, author, and expert in the field of child and adult attachment theory as well as trauma resolution. Her expertise in trauma healing has benefitted survivors and families of 9/11 and the Columbine shootings, making her a highly sought-after consultant, speaker, and presenter for organizations worldwide.

Diane’s signature series on adult attachment—DARe (Dynamic Attachment Re-patterning experience)—provides therapists and individuals with the skills and tools they need to facilitate healing from trauma and create more fulfilling adult relationships. Her work with adult attachment has forged a path for adults with childhood attachment injuries to develop Secure Attachment Skills that lead to more connected adult relationships. Diane strongly believes that by healing ourselves, we heal our families, our communities and the world.

In 1989, Dr. Heller began working with Dr. Peter Levine, founder of Somatic Experiencing Institute® (SEI). As Senior Faculty for SEI, she taught Somatic Experiencing® trauma work internationally, for over 35 years.

In 2019, Diane joined Rosie Perez on stage at the Rubin Museum of Art to discuss childhood trauma, its effect on adult relationships and how to help people manage PTSD. Also in 2019, Dr. Heller received a Lifetime Humanitarian Award from ASERVIC (Association for Spiritual, Ethical and Religious Values in Counseling).

Diane is the author of The Power of Attachment: How to Create Deep and Lasting Intimate Relationships; Crash Course; and Healing Your Attachment Wounds: How to Create Deep and Lasting Relationships. She is also author of numerous articles in the trauma resolution and attachment field. Her film, Surviving Columbine, produced with Cherokee Studios, aired on CNN and supported community healing in the aftermath of the Columbine high school shootings.