Dr. Matthew Diner, PhD, LCSW is a clinical social worker, educator, trained psychotherapist, and expert evaluator for immigration cases for the states of Florida, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, and Texas. Dr. Diner received his doctorate and MSW in social work from Yeshiva University, where he specialized in the clinical track. His doctoral research focused on the construct of mindfulness and secondary traumatic stress. Concurrently with his doctoral training, he completed a Clinical Fellowship at NYPSI, which broadened his understanding and application of psychodynamic theory. He is also a graduate of the Child and Adolescent Psychodynamic Psychotherapy training program from the Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research (IPTAR) in New York. Prior to going into private practice, Dr. Diner worked at several outpatient mental health clinics in New York City and has experience working with infants, children, adolescents, and adults in individual and dyadic psychotherapy. In addition to clinical practice, Dr. Diner has taught graduate-level social work at several universities, including York College at the City University of New York (CUNY), Columbia University, and Fordham University.
Over the years, Dr. Diner has been professionally trained in several theoretical models including: Psychodynamic, Relational, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and Multi-systemic Therapy (MST). In his practice, he integrates methods and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to individual needs. Dr. Diner strives to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore painful and troubling feelings, identify goals, and strategies to cope with difficult emotions and circumstances. He firmly believes that the awareness and insight developed in therapy allows people to be better connected to themselves, more engaged in their relationships, and more present in the world around them.
Over the years, Dr. Diner has been professionally trained in several theoretical models including: Psychodynamic, Relational, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and Multi-systemic Therapy (MST). In his practice, he integrates methods and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to individual needs. Dr. Diner strives to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to explore painful and troubling feelings, identify goals, and strategies to cope with difficult emotions and circumstances. He firmly believes that the awareness and insight developed in therapy allows people to be better connected to themselves, more engaged in their relationships, and more present in the world around them.
Education
PhD, Yeshiva University, Wurzweiler School of Social Work, Social Welfare, 2016
Certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research (IPTAR), 2024
Clinical Fellowship, New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute (NYPSI), 2016
MSW, Yeshiva University, Wurzweiler School of Social Work Social Work, 2013
Certificate in Child Welfare Practice, Yeshiva University, Wurzweiler School of Social Work Social Work, 2013
BA, Stony Brook University Hispanic Languages & Literature with Honors. 2008
Certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research (IPTAR), 2024
Clinical Fellowship, New York Psychoanalytic Society & Institute (NYPSI), 2016
MSW, Yeshiva University, Wurzweiler School of Social Work Social Work, 2013
Certificate in Child Welfare Practice, Yeshiva University, Wurzweiler School of Social Work Social Work, 2013
BA, Stony Brook University Hispanic Languages & Literature with Honors. 2008
clinical experience
Private Practice, Psychotherapist, 9/2017 - Present
Association to Benefit Children, Children’s Mental Health Clinic, Clinical Supervisor and Psychotherapist, New York, New York, 7/2015 - 8/2018
Mental Health Providers of Western Queens, Psychotherapist, Queens, New York, 1/2015- 9/2017
The Child Center of New York, Psychotherapist, New York, 5/2014-7/2015
Association to Benefit Children, Children’s Mental Health Clinic, Clinical Supervisor and Psychotherapist, New York, New York, 7/2015 - 8/2018
Mental Health Providers of Western Queens, Psychotherapist, Queens, New York, 1/2015- 9/2017
The Child Center of New York, Psychotherapist, New York, 5/2014-7/2015
Teaching EXPERIENCE
The Metropolitan Institute for Training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (MITPP), Child & Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Postgraduate Program, Faculty & Clinical Supervisor, 2/2023 - Present
National University, Adjunct Professor of Social Work, 12/2022 - Present
York College of the City University of New York, Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track), Social Work, 9/2018 - 12/2021
Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Service (GSS), Adjunct Professor Social Work. 9/2017 - 5/2018
Columbia University, School of Social Work, Adjunct Professor Social Work, 9/2017 - 5/2018
National University, Adjunct Professor of Social Work, 12/2022 - Present
York College of the City University of New York, Assistant Professor (Tenure-Track), Social Work, 9/2018 - 12/2021
Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Service (GSS), Adjunct Professor Social Work. 9/2017 - 5/2018
Columbia University, School of Social Work, Adjunct Professor Social Work, 9/2017 - 5/2018
Publications In Field Of Expertise
Articles:
Diner, M. T. "Measuring Mindfulness and its Relationship to Secondary Traumatic Stress." ProQuest Dissertations Publishing. (10726902) 2016: 98.
Diner, M. T. "A Quantitative Analysis of Mindfulness Practice as Self-Care for Social Workers in an Urban Setting." Greenwich Social Work Review. 1 2020: 21-35.
Non-Refereed Proceedings:
Diner, M. T. "Social Work Students Move Wellness Forward." The New Social Worker. 26 2019, Fall: Cover Feature: 17.
Chapters in Books:
Diner, M. T, Moldovan, V., Rotari, E. & Tarna, V. "Social Justice is Energy Justice: Energy as an Integrative Key Social Work Principle." Energy Justice: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation. 1 2021 (accepted): 1-19.
Diner, M. T. "Measuring Mindfulness and its Relationship to Secondary Traumatic Stress." ProQuest Dissertations Publishing. (10726902) 2016: 98.
Diner, M. T. "A Quantitative Analysis of Mindfulness Practice as Self-Care for Social Workers in an Urban Setting." Greenwich Social Work Review. 1 2020: 21-35.
Non-Refereed Proceedings:
Diner, M. T. "Social Work Students Move Wellness Forward." The New Social Worker. 26 2019, Fall: Cover Feature: 17.
Chapters in Books:
Diner, M. T, Moldovan, V., Rotari, E. & Tarna, V. "Social Justice is Energy Justice: Energy as an Integrative Key Social Work Principle." Energy Justice: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation. 1 2021 (accepted): 1-19.
Peer-reviewed conferences
"Using Eastern Traditions to Inform Self-Care Practices for Social Workers" February 2019: The 48h Annual Meeting of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, Jacksonville, Florida.
"Social Work Methodology of Community Organizing Through History and Culture: An Intercontinental Education Mode" In collaboration with Moldovan, V. & Rotari, E. June 2019: European Association of Schools of Social Work. Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Madrid, Spain.
"Strengthening Internal Capacities: An Economy-Based Model Towards Social Change" July 2019: International Interdisciplinary Conference for Sustainable Community Wellness. Free International University of Moldova. Chisinau, Moldova.
"Prevalence and Amelioration of Secondary Traumatic Stress Amongst Social Workers" July 2019: 9th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health. University of York. York, England.
"Empathy Reconsidered: Understanding Cultural, Professional, and Pedagogical Factors" In collaboration with Halper, D. & Robinson, T. November 2019: The 52nd Annual New York State Social Work Education Association (NYSSWEA). Saratoga Springs, New York.
"Mindful Self-Care and Implications for Practice in Healthcare" November 2019: CUNY York’s Honors Seminar.
"The Nexus of Social and Environmental Justice: A Case Study" In collaboration with Persaud, U. February 2020: The 49h Annual Meeting of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, Seattle, Washington.
"Analyzing the Determinants of Empathy in the Helping Professions" July 2020 (Accepted, cancelled due to COVID-19): European Association of Schools of Social Work. Rimini, Italy.
"A Cross-Disciplinary Case Study of Ecological and Social Sustainability in Eastern Europe" In collaboration with Persaud, U. July 2020: International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), Calgary, Canada (held virtually due to COVID-19).
"A Social and Scientific Elucidation of Global Ecological Justice in Rural Eastern Europe (Poster Presentation)" In collaboration with Persaud, U. April 2021: The International Social Work Education and Development Online Conference 2021 (ISWED 2021), Rimini, Italy (held virtually due to COVID-19).
"Global Environmental Justice and Social Work Praxis" In collaboration with Persaud, U. April 2021: The 8th Annual Global Well-Being and Social Change Conference: Global Citizenship, Millersville University. Millersville, Pennsylvania. (held virtually due to COVID-19).
"Social Work Methodology of Community Organizing Through History and Culture: An Intercontinental Education Mode" In collaboration with Moldovan, V. & Rotari, E. June 2019: European Association of Schools of Social Work. Universidad Complutense de Madrid. Madrid, Spain.
"Strengthening Internal Capacities: An Economy-Based Model Towards Social Change" July 2019: International Interdisciplinary Conference for Sustainable Community Wellness. Free International University of Moldova. Chisinau, Moldova.
"Prevalence and Amelioration of Secondary Traumatic Stress Amongst Social Workers" July 2019: 9th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health. University of York. York, England.
"Empathy Reconsidered: Understanding Cultural, Professional, and Pedagogical Factors" In collaboration with Halper, D. & Robinson, T. November 2019: The 52nd Annual New York State Social Work Education Association (NYSSWEA). Saratoga Springs, New York.
"Mindful Self-Care and Implications for Practice in Healthcare" November 2019: CUNY York’s Honors Seminar.
"The Nexus of Social and Environmental Justice: A Case Study" In collaboration with Persaud, U. February 2020: The 49h Annual Meeting of the Society for Cross-Cultural Research, Seattle, Washington.
"Analyzing the Determinants of Empathy in the Helping Professions" July 2020 (Accepted, cancelled due to COVID-19): European Association of Schools of Social Work. Rimini, Italy.
"A Cross-Disciplinary Case Study of Ecological and Social Sustainability in Eastern Europe" In collaboration with Persaud, U. July 2020: International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), Calgary, Canada (held virtually due to COVID-19).
"A Social and Scientific Elucidation of Global Ecological Justice in Rural Eastern Europe (Poster Presentation)" In collaboration with Persaud, U. April 2021: The International Social Work Education and Development Online Conference 2021 (ISWED 2021), Rimini, Italy (held virtually due to COVID-19).
"Global Environmental Justice and Social Work Praxis" In collaboration with Persaud, U. April 2021: The 8th Annual Global Well-Being and Social Change Conference: Global Citizenship, Millersville University. Millersville, Pennsylvania. (held virtually due to COVID-19).
research Grants
PSC-CUNY, The Meaning of Empathy in Social Work and Other Helping Professions. 2018 - Present: $3,447.
CUNY Academy, The Stewart Travel Award. 2019: $500.
PSC-CUNY, Environmentalism: Expanding the Curricula. 2020 - Present: $3,445.25.
CUNY Academy, The Stewart Travel Award. 2020: $500 (deferred due to COVID-19).
CUNY Academy, The Stewart Travel Award. 2019: $500.
PSC-CUNY, Environmentalism: Expanding the Curricula. 2020 - Present: $3,445.25.
CUNY Academy, The Stewart Travel Award. 2020: $500 (deferred due to COVID-19).
other academic experience
CUNY York, CUNY York, Member, Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) MSW Accreditation: 2018 - 2021
CUNY York, MSW Scholar Adviser: 2018 - 2021
CUNY York, MSW Program Advisory Council: 2019 – 2021
CUNY York, Field Supervisor, Institute for Community Wellness: 2019 - 2021
CUNY York, Web Liaison (Middle States): 2019 - 2021
CUNY York, Visiting Faculty, CUNY Study Abroad Program in Moldova, Eastern Europe: Summer 2019.
CUNY York, Faculty Advisor, MSW Leadership Scholars Club: 2019 - 2021
CUNY York, Social Work Search Committee Member: 2020 - 2021
Columbia University, Certified Social Work Field Instructor (SIFI), 2017
Columbia University, Social Work Clinical Supervisor, 2017-2018
CUNY York, MSW Scholar Adviser: 2018 - 2021
CUNY York, MSW Program Advisory Council: 2019 – 2021
CUNY York, Field Supervisor, Institute for Community Wellness: 2019 - 2021
CUNY York, Web Liaison (Middle States): 2019 - 2021
CUNY York, Visiting Faculty, CUNY Study Abroad Program in Moldova, Eastern Europe: Summer 2019.
CUNY York, Faculty Advisor, MSW Leadership Scholars Club: 2019 - 2021
CUNY York, Social Work Search Committee Member: 2020 - 2021
Columbia University, Certified Social Work Field Instructor (SIFI), 2017
Columbia University, Social Work Clinical Supervisor, 2017-2018
Offices Held In Professional Societies
Member, National Association of Social Workers (NASW): 2012 - Present
Honorary Member, Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work: 2019 - Present
Board Member, New York State Social Work Education Association (NYSSWEA): 2020 - 2021
Reviewer, Health & Social Care in the Community: 2019 - Present
Reviewer, Greenwich Social Work Review: 2020 - Present
Honorary Member, Phi Alpha Honor Society for Social Work: 2019 - Present
Board Member, New York State Social Work Education Association (NYSSWEA): 2020 - 2021
Reviewer, Health & Social Care in the Community: 2019 - Present
Reviewer, Greenwich Social Work Review: 2020 - Present
graduate level courses taught
National University
Human Behavior and the Social Environment (MSW-5001)
Professional Practice with Individuals and Families (MSW-5002)
Social Work in Behavioral Health (MSW-6004)
Leadership in Social Work Practice (MSW-6006)
City University of New York (CUNY), York College
Social Welfare Policy, Advocacy and Services (SCWK 501; 3 credits; Fall 2018)
Social Work Practice II Organizations and Communities (SCWK 511; 3 credits; Spring 2019)
Urban Health Disparities and Global Health (SCWK 601; 3 credits; Fall 2020, 2021)
Social Work Practice in Health Care Settings (SCWK 607; 3 credits; Fall 2018, 2019 & 2021)
Advanced Field Placement & Seminar III (SCWK 609; 6 credits, 2 hrs. lecture; Fall 2018, 2019)
Social Policy and Advocacy in Health Care (SWK 613; 3 credits; Spring 2021)
Clinical Social Work Practice in Relation to Death, Grief and Bereavement (SCWK 618; 3 credits; Spring 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
Beyond the Medical Model: Wellness Paradigms for the Social Work Profession (SCWK 620; 3 credits; Spring 2020)
Advanced Field Placement & Seminar IV (SCWK 621; 6 credits, 2 hrs. lecture; Spring 2019, 2020. 2021)
Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Service (GSS)
Social Work Practice with Individuals Across the Lifespan. (SWGS 6323; 3 Credits; Fall 2017)
Social Work Practice with Families and Groups Across the Lifespan. (SWGS 6324; 3 Credits, Spring 2018)
Columbia University, School of Social Work
Field Education I & II (T6010, T6020, 4.5 credits, Fall & Spring 2017 & 2018 respectively)
Human Behavior and the Social Environment (MSW-5001)
Professional Practice with Individuals and Families (MSW-5002)
Social Work in Behavioral Health (MSW-6004)
Leadership in Social Work Practice (MSW-6006)
City University of New York (CUNY), York College
Social Welfare Policy, Advocacy and Services (SCWK 501; 3 credits; Fall 2018)
Social Work Practice II Organizations and Communities (SCWK 511; 3 credits; Spring 2019)
Urban Health Disparities and Global Health (SCWK 601; 3 credits; Fall 2020, 2021)
Social Work Practice in Health Care Settings (SCWK 607; 3 credits; Fall 2018, 2019 & 2021)
Advanced Field Placement & Seminar III (SCWK 609; 6 credits, 2 hrs. lecture; Fall 2018, 2019)
Social Policy and Advocacy in Health Care (SWK 613; 3 credits; Spring 2021)
Clinical Social Work Practice in Relation to Death, Grief and Bereavement (SCWK 618; 3 credits; Spring 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021)
Beyond the Medical Model: Wellness Paradigms for the Social Work Profession (SCWK 620; 3 credits; Spring 2020)
Advanced Field Placement & Seminar IV (SCWK 621; 6 credits, 2 hrs. lecture; Spring 2019, 2020. 2021)
Fordham University, Graduate School of Social Service (GSS)
Social Work Practice with Individuals Across the Lifespan. (SWGS 6323; 3 Credits; Fall 2017)
Social Work Practice with Families and Groups Across the Lifespan. (SWGS 6324; 3 Credits, Spring 2018)
Columbia University, School of Social Work
Field Education I & II (T6010, T6020, 4.5 credits, Fall & Spring 2017 & 2018 respectively)
postgraduate courses taught
The Metropolitan Institute for Training in Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy (MITPP), Child & Adolescent Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy Postgraduate Program
Advanced Technique with Children and Adolescents (Spring 2023)
Working with Loss in Child Therapy (Summer 2023)
Advanced Technique with Children and Adolescents (Spring 2023)
Working with Loss in Child Therapy (Summer 2023)