Hello. My name is Deborah Reese and I am a licensed clinical social worker in California. I have worked in the fields of child welfare, hospice, and medical social work for the past twenty years. This experience has taught me to work with people of different backgrounds and cultures. I use a variety of techniques to support my clients including cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR, and psychodynamic treatments.
In our first session, I use a collaborative approach so that you feel comfortable sharing difficulties and stress. We will discuss the reasons you are seeking therapy and how I can help support you. I do a thorough intake so that I can get to know you and your past history.
As a provider I am gentle, affirming, and supportive. I use a non judge mental approach as well.
I enjoy working with adults of all ages through difficult transitions in life. This may include young adults looking for ways to manage work stress, getting married, and starting a family; middle age and having an empty nest; and the elderly dealing with chronic illness and mortality. I especially enjoy helping with post partum issues.
I like to explore past history in childhood of relationships. I try to identify how parent and sibling relationships were in the past and are currently. I also like to discuss friendship and partner relationships.
I incorporate CBT in my practice to see how negative cognitive distortions contribute to depression and anxiety.
I incorporate EMDR in my practice to help clients who have experienced past trauma. This method includes different exercises to help while talking about past trauma to help move forward rather than cause additional harm. This requires a separate informed consent that I will send to a client.
I explore past history of loss with clients. This may include current losses or past history of loss.