Debra Buckley
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor providing counseling to individuals and couples. My approach to therapy is based on the belief that the safety of the therapeutic relationship provides an environment in which awareness develops, growth happens, and solutions are created. I use a positive, strengths-based approach, employing skills based on individual needs of clients. My clinical experience includes working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, gender identity issues, sexual orientation issues, child and adolescent behavioral struggles, co-parenting, divorce, life transitions and grief.
First session
I hope that my clients feel as if they have spoken with someone that they feel they can trust with their confusion, pain, and joy, and that they have found a place where they will not be judged. I hope that they will feel as if they have connected with another human, who cares about them, and will support them.
Strengths
The thing I love most about counseling, is that it is not cookie cutter in its approach. This allows me to bring different aspects of my personality to each individual, based on their needs. Some people may need calm, reflective support, others may want to be challenged, and some feel comfortable being able to view some things with humor. Each individual and situation will be approached differently, but authentically. Real relationships are built, that exist within the safety of the therapeutic environment.
Ideal clients
My ideal clients are ages 16 and up. I enjoy working with varied life stages, and I have enough life experience that I can relate to any age. I enjoy clients who are trying to figure something out, are curious, are looking to develop new coping strategies, let go of something, come to a new understanding, or discover new things about themselves.
Treatment methods
Person-centered (Rogerian)
I allow a safe space for an individual to be heard without judgement, and reflect back to them. Open ended questions allow clients to focus growth and self-awareness. The client is the expert on themself, and I work to understand their experiences, and walk with them into self-discovery, and newfound confidence.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In CBT, the relationship between thoughts and feelings are explored and understood. Great progress can be made when someone discovers that there are alternative, realistic thoughts to which we can give out energy, and that this can then cause a shift in feelings, which influence behaviors. Within this method, clients can build a toolbox for coping with various situations.
Gender-affirming therapy
We will explore fears, uncertainties, feelings, relationships, joy, liberation, and the entire journey, while supporting each step toward the client becoming their best, true self.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
Often successfully paired with CBT, this allows one to become more aware of experiences, without judging them. Breathing and meditation are often employed, along with learning how to tolerate uncomfortable feelings. This is often useful in treating anxiety.
Supportive
This is somewhat integrated into everything I do. I provide a safe space to be heard, help develop new perspectives that feel true, develop coping strategies, and be a cheerleader for growth.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Doesn't specialize in
Licensed in
- New HampshireLicense 1057