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Debra Fitzgerald profile image

Debra Fitzgerald

Debra Fitzgerald

(she/her)

LPC/MHSP
19 years of experience
Virtual

I am Debra Fitzgerald and I currently see adult clients who are in TN. I have been a therapist for 20 years with experience in hospital/outpatient settings as well as my own private practice. My first career was working with IRS, and becoming a counselor/therapist is so much more rewarding (and very different). I do not treat clients as a one size fits all, but I tailor the therapy to the client. Being able to come alongside someone and provide tools they can use to address what they have come to therapy for is my goal. I love what I do!

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In our first session we will get to know each other, answer questions, and develop a treatment plan with both short and long term goals.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

Having been a therapist for 20 years, as well as a supervisor for those seeking licensure, and most recently a Clinical Director managing 4 locations and an IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program), I have developed skills that I tailor to each individual. I have also accumulated a wide variety of resources that have proven helpful for my clients.

About Debra Fitzgerald

Identifies as

Specializes in

Serves ages

Licensed in

Accepts

Appointments

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I use CBT with clients to help them learn to use thought-stopping and reframing negative cognitions. With CBT clients learn how to challenge their thoughts, "is there evidence to support this thought?" Often we tend to engage in self criticism, and CBT offers simple solutions toward development of more healthy self-esteem.

Gottman method

I have trained through Level 2 with the Gottman Institute, and find this method is helpful in working with couples. It is research based and offers many tools for therapists to use. Couples can learn to enhance their Love Maps, and manage conflict in a more healthy way.

Grief Therapy

I have trained with Dr. Alan Wolfelt at The Center for Loss in Colorado and have a Death and Grief Studies Certification. I have also been a hospice volunteer for 13 years and conducted support groups. Grief is one of the hardest things we face, and also something people are unsure how to manage. Everyone's grief is unique to them and I offer compassionate support and education. Helping individuals with powerful emotions, guilt and sadness is key to this work.

Group Therapy

I have 5+ years experience leading grief support groups, and substance abuse groups.

EMDR

EMDR therapy works to help individuals who have experienced past trauma. I have used this method with clients for approximately 13 years after completing my level 2 training with the EMDR institute. EMDR works whether you believe it will and the clients cannot 'mess up'. Having seen how this method has helped past clients is amazing.