LPC, 10 years of experience
Hi, I'm Debra, and I love being a therapist. It is a privilege to provide support and guidance to people working to better themselves and to connect to others in such a meaningful way. I work with folks ages 12 and up to manage anxiety, depression, and stress as well as develop coping skills and improve self esteem. Counseling is a collaborative process in which a strong therapeutic relationship is vital to successful client outcomes. I am strengths based in practice, meaning YOUR unique attributes and skills are central to eliciting positive changes and facing adversity. Though my default approaches are person centered, solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral, I am trained in various evidence based techniques. I am adaptive to the unique and specific needs of each person I serve. I take pride in striving for a high level of cultural competency and believe great value is found in learning about and celebrating diversity.
During first sessions, I start by checking in with clients about any questions they have and how they are feeling about therapy. One of my goals for first meetings is to help clients feel comfortable. I meet clients where they are at, and sometimes people are ready to dive in and talk about presenting concerns. Other times, the focus is more on discussing client background history, general goals for treatment, and what my therapeutic approaches are. I am flexible and adjust to individual client needs, but overall, initial sessions are a time to ensure we connect well.
Others have told me I am extremely empathic, which I agree with. It is important to me to understand exactly where my clients are coming from so I can best provide support and a safe space for exploration, growth, and change. I approach being a therapist with kindness, humor, and drive to understand my clients' unique perspectives and to be able to align with their world view.
I have a diverse caseload in terms of client identity, background, concerns and goals, and do not necessarily have an 'ideal client'. However, I work well with clients who are focused on improving and/or maintaining their mental health, are open-minded, curious, wanting to focus on self-compassion and kindness.
I use CBT interventions and teach CBT skills to empower clients to be more intentional with their thoughts and behaviors, which in turn help people feel better.
What is successful in therapy for one person may not work for everyone-I draw from a variety of treatment methods to meet the needs of my clients.
Research demonstrates a strong therapeutic relationship is one of the most important factors to clients making progress in therapy and meeting their goals. I want my time with clients to be as beneficial to them as possible, and I also want therapy to be a place where my clients know they are safe and supported. I focus on building a strong and trusting alliance with clients.
3 ratings with written reviews
June 12, 2025
I love working with Debra. She comes to every appointment with an open mind, intelligent insight, and a kind attitude. She makes me feel comfortable sharing experiences and leaves space for difficult feelings and emotions.
April 9, 2025
Debra has been great. She listens very well and has been very helpful overall.
March 4, 2025
Deb is an outstanding counselor who combines creative insights with a realistic perspective on goal achievement. I wholeheartedly recommend that anyone seeking guidance give her a try. You will be thoroughly impressed.