LPCC, 6 years of experience
Hello, My name is Debbie! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). I am passionate about helping others on their mental health journey to wellbeing. I earned my Bachelor's in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and obtained my Master's in Counseling at the University of San Diego. My interest in helping others started in early childhood. Supporting others was something I always found very rewarding, and continue to feel that way to this day. For the past 10 years, I have had the opportunity to help others in a variety of mental health settings. I have worked in residential group homes, provided one on one mental health skills coaching, been a school counselor, and recently have been a therapist for the last 6 years.
I understand therapy can be an intimidating new experience, so I spend time working on getting to know you and building trust in therapy. I aim to be a warm, curious, empathetic, and empowering therapist. I collaborate with you when exploring your hopes and wants from therapy. In our first few sessions, I enjoy learning about your interests, hobbies, relationships, upbringing, family, and current life circumstances. I am mindful in recognizing that some topics and or past traumas may take time to discuss and process. I am always respectful and go at your pace and comfort level.
My interest in helping others started in early childhood. Supporting others was something I always found very rewarding. Growing up, challenges, stressors, and difficult circumstances were something I observed to be a part of a lot of people's lives. I sought to gain a better understanding of others and my own personal upbringing. By exploring and reflecting on my own life challenges and that of others, I was able to gain a broad perspective of people's hurts and struggles. Being a therapist was my dream since middle school, and I feel honored to have the opportunity to hold space for you in a professional capacity many years later. As a client centered therapist, I focus on you and truly believe in your ability to grow, learn, and change. I am genuine, caring, and warm by nature and I believe these qualities often help people feel comfortable to open up and share their personal stories with me. In sessions I am calm, understanding, and empathetic. Throughout treatment, I aim to provide a non-judgmental and comfortable space to help build your trust in the therapist-client relationship. I am flexible in my various treatment approaches and modalities, taping into various forms of treatment depending on your specific needs and challenges. During moments of discomfort I am there to help you navigate difficult feelings and teach you ways to cope through hardships and past hurts. I believe overall wellness and resilience does not come from supporting one singular aspect of your life, but in reflecting on your overall self from a holistic perspective.
I especially enjoy working with young adults, both men and women. Finding yourself in that stage of life can be very stressful and daunting, and I aim to empower and support you as you navigate the various transitions in your life. I am also passionate about helping others navigate school or work stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, attachment difficulties, and or childhood trauma. During our time together I will work with you to help you learn helpful coping skills, explore new perspectives, process difficulties, and build resilience. Treatment goals are always a collaborative process where we work together to identify positive changes or areas of need that could help you obtain greater wellness in your life.