Debra is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been practicing since 2013. She graduated from University of Riverside and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts in History. Debra went on to receive her Master of Sciences in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy from the University of La Verne. Debra’s therapeutic style is a combination of person-centered, eclectic and CBT as the primary theoretic orientations. Other areas of training include DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), IFS (Internal Family Systems) and Gottman Couples Therapy (level two trained). Her main areas of focus include trauma, attachment, and anxiety. In her spare time, Debra enjoys sports including ice skating, hockey, hiking, backpacking, and running. “I believe every person has the capability inside themselves to be the change they are looking for. Sometimes it just takes someone else to help you find it.”
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
Typically it is a meet and greet, a get to know you session of what you are looking for from therapy and how I can either help with that.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I hone in on areas of need and assess what treatment may be best for it.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work well with clients who are open to trying different methods that will challenge you and those that want to go deeper into their own healing.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use the cognitive triangle, thoughts, feelings and behaviors to utilize skills for each area as they all are affected by each other. I use it for processing each of these areas with clints.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I trained with a instructor who learned from Marsha Linehan, I use the skills and techniques with many populations to help reduce reactivity and increase coping skills.
EMDR
I was certified under EMDRIA in 2019, I utilize the techniques to help clients desensitize their emotional reaction to triggers from past traumas.
Gottman method
My experience is Level 2 trained, I use the skills and techniques from Gottman therapy to help couple increase their communication and work through problems.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I was trained in 2021 and have been using this method for a few years to help clients treat trauma along with shame and guilt associated with it.