Deborah Parris
Hi there, I’m Deborah! If you are feeling overwhelmed, emotionally stuck, or unsure about how to move forward, you do not have to navigate those challenges alone. I have more than 28 years of experience helping adults and adolescents work through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and everyday stress. I believe therapy should feel supportive and useful. My approach is warm, compassionate, and collaborative, and I tailor our work to your individual needs. Together, we can look at patterns that may be keeping you stuck, build healthier ways of coping, strengthen your confidence, and identify practical steps toward the changes you want to make. I use approaches that can help you better understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and actions. I also incorporate mindfulness, emotional support, and practical strategies based on your needs and goals. My hope is that you leave sessions feeling heard and understood, while also gaining tools you can use in your everyday life.
First session
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.
Strengths
I bring warmth, compassion, patience, and more than 28 years of experience to my work with clients. One of my greatest strengths is creating a space where you can feel heard, respected, and comfortable being yourself. I listen closely and recognize that each person’s experiences and needs are different. My style balances emotional support with practical guidance. I can help you better understand what you are experiencing while also building coping skills you can use in daily life. I believe you already have strengths to build on, and we can work together to use those strengths to create meaningful change.
Ideal clients
I work well with adults and adolescents who may feel overwhelmed, emotionally stuck, or uncertain about their next steps. You may be dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, relationship difficulties, the effects of painful past experiences, a major life change, or everyday stress. You may be looking for a therapist who will listen without judgment while also helping you better understand your thoughts and emotions and find practical ways to move forward. You do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. We can begin where you are, build on your strengths, develop healthier coping skills, and work toward greater confidence and emotional well-being.
Treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use cognitive behavioral therapy to help you understand how your thoughts, emotions, and actions can affect one another. Together, we can identify patterns that may contribute to anxiety, depression, low confidence, relationship difficulties, or feeling stuck. Rather than simply telling you to “think positively,” I help you look at whether certain thoughts are accurate or helpful and explore more balanced ways of viewing difficult situations. Depending on your needs, we may work on problem-solving, coping skills, goal setting, changing unhelpful habits, or gradually becoming more comfortable with situations you have been avoiding. My approach is flexible and focused on giving you practical tools you can use outside of therapy.
Supportive
I use supportive therapy to give you a compassionate and nonjudgmental space to talk openly about what you are experiencing. I listen carefully, acknowledge your emotions, and help you feel supported as you work through difficult situations. During our sessions, we may identify strengths and resources you already have, look at challenges from a new perspective, and develop practical ways to cope and solve problems. I may also offer encouragement, information, gentle feedback, and guidance while respecting your choices and your readiness for change. My goal is to help you build confidence, feel more emotionally steady, and manage challenges in ways that work for you.
Location
Virtual sessions