Hi, I’m Dr Diana Collett

Dr Diana Collett, DCR, MSoc. Sci., BA, PCC (ICF)

My research and work in the area of digital distraction began innocuously. I remember thinking: I want a smartphone so that I can check the weather when I wake up in the morning. But I certainly don’t remember signing up for the hours of internet scrolling that followed.

For three decades I have worked with diverse and complex client groups as a therapist, researcher and educator. In all that time, it was rare to hear a completely new story. But in 2015 this started changing. The university students and clients I counselled started telling me they felt overwhelmed, lost and their life wasn’t working out the way they wanted it to.

We now know that this coincided with the introduction of “scrolling” and “liking”, but it was not until 2018 that studies revealed that ‘scrolling’ and ‘liking’ encourage habits of addiction. Since then internet use has exploded with half of teens online almost constantly by 2020, and a third of adults across the globe checking their phones within five minutes of waking up. Swept into this digital revolution, every area of our lives has been transformed – how we work, how we spend our time off, how we relate to one another and where we fit in our communities and the world. It is harder for us to know where we belong and what is expected of us.

Heads UP is the result of years of research and development of tools and concepts that help anchor people. It brings a focused approach to finding their true place in the world. Drawing on insights from my work as a University Student Counsellor and Process Oriented Psychotherapist, it is also informed by my doctoral work in power, rank, and intercultural communication. My Screen Mastery programs are grounded in years of experience embedding inclusive communication into courses at the University of South Australia and the International Space University.

Through exploring crucial questions like What does it mean to be in a Screen Trance? and How do social media and the internet narrow our focus?  I arrived at an essential understanding of the neuroscience and behavioural changes that accompany our use of digital technology. The result is a carefully developed program with new mindsets and skills that help people to go beyond simply weaning themselves off-screen dependence. Heads UP brings safe effective strategies that build strengths and the personal agency to navigate the future with adaptability, resilience, and greater happiness.

Diana lives in Adelaide, South Australia and works with organisations, practitioners and individuals all over the world to build the personal and professional capacities that create a better future. She presents regularly at conferences and enjoys connecting with nature, family, friends, and food.