Licensed to practice in 2 states and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Grief and 10 more.
New to Grow
Hi there, I'm Deborah! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 25 years of experience helping adults and adolescents navigate anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and everyday stress. I strive to provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where clients feel comfortable discussing their concerns and working toward meaningful change. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to each person’s individual needs. I primarily use cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive therapy, behavioral activation, mindfulness-based strategies, and trauma-informed care. Together, we identify unhelpful patterns, build effective coping skills, strengthen self-confidence, and develop practical steps toward the client’s goals. I believe therapy should feel both supportive and useful. My goal is for clients to leave sessions feeling heard, understood, and equipped with strategies they can apply in their daily lives.
Starting therapy can be overwhelming, and that is completely normal. The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy, your goals, and any concerns you may have. My goal is for you to feel comfortable, heard, supported, and hopeful about moving forward. We will begin identifying goals and discuss a treatment approach that fits your individual needs. You are welcome to share at a pace that feels comfortable—there is no expectation that you disclose everything during the first meeting. My goal is to provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel heard and understood. You will also have an opportunity to ask questions and decide whether we are a good fit for working together.
I bring warmth, compassion, and more than 25 years of clinical experience to each session. One of my greatest strengths is creating a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel genuinely heard, respected, and comfortable being themselves. I listen carefully and work collaboratively, recognizing that each person’s experiences and needs are unique. I am able to balance emotional support with practical guidance, helping clients gain insight while also developing coping strategies they can use in everyday life. My approach is flexible, patient, and grounded in the belief that every client has strengths they can build upon to create meaningful change.
My ideal client is someone who may feel overwhelmed, emotionally stuck, or uncertain about how to move forward. They may be experiencing anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, the effects of past experiences, or a challenging life transition. They are looking for a therapist who will listen without judgment, help them better understand their thoughts and emotions, and offer practical strategies for creating change. They do not need to have everything figured out—they simply need to be willing to begin. Together, we will build on their strengths, develop healthier coping skills, and work toward greater confidence, emotional well-being, and a more fulfilling life.
I use cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence one another. Together, we identify patterns that may be contributing to anxiety, depression, low self-confidence, relationship difficulties, or feeling emotionally stuck. I help clients examine whether their thoughts are accurate and helpful, consider more balanced perspectives, and develop healthier ways of responding to difficult situations. Depending on the client’s needs, we may use thought-challenging exercises, behavioral activation, problem-solving, coping strategies, goal setting, or gradual practice with feared situations. My use of CBT is collaborative and flexible. I do not simply tell clients to “think positively.” Instead, I help them understand their experiences, build on their strengths, and develop practical tools they can use in everyday life.
I use supportive therapy to provide clients with a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space to discuss their experiences. I listen carefully, validate their emotions, and help them feel less alone in what they are facing. During sessions, I help clients recognize their strengths, identify existing resources, gain perspective, and develop practical coping and problem-solving skills. I may offer encouragement, psychoeducation, gentle feedback, and guidance while respecting each client’s choices and readiness for change. My goal is to strengthen confidence, emotional stability, and the client’s ability to manage challenges more effectively.
I use a trauma-informed approach by recognizing that past experiences may affect how clients understand themselves, relate to others, and respond to stress. I prioritize emotional safety, trust, collaboration, and client choice throughout the therapeutic process. Clients are encouraged to share at a pace that feels manageable, and I explain the purpose of interventions before using them. I avoid pressuring clients to disclose or process traumatic experiences before they feel ready. Together, we identify triggers, strengthen coping and grounding skills, establish healthy boundaries, and build on the client’s existing strengths. My goal is to help clients feel empowered and respected while reducing the possibility of retraumatization. When specialized trauma processing is needed beyond the services I provide, I discuss appropriate treatment options and referrals with the client.
I use psychoeducation to help clients better understand their symptoms, emotional responses, and behavioral patterns. I explain mental health concepts in clear, practical language and connect the information to each client’s individual experiences. Depending on the client’s needs, we may discuss topics such as anxiety and depression cycles, trauma responses, grief, emotional regulation, boundaries, communication, or the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Understanding why certain reactions occur can reduce shame and help clients feel less confused or alone. I combine this information with practical coping strategies so clients can apply what they learn in their everyday lives and make more informed choices about their well-being.