(she/her)
Often rebooked
I'm Debra Kearse Thomas, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Therapist, and Empowerment Coach. As Founder of Just Joy Coaching and Therapy, I bring over 20 years of experience in trauma-informed care, crisis response, and culturally affirming practice. I specialize in creating healing spaces that honor your story, your strength, and your joy—blending clinical insight with soulful guidance. Whether you're navigating transitions, seeking clarity, or reclaiming your voice, I offer compassionate support, creative tools, and intentional strategies to help you move forward with confidence.
In our first session, we’ll create space for you to arrive just as you are. Whether you're seeking therapy or coaching, we’ll explore what’s bringing you here, what you’re hoping to shift or strengthen, and how we can co-create a path forward. I’ll ask thoughtful questions, offer grounding tools, and listen deeply. You’ll have room to reflect, share at your own pace, and begin shaping goals that feel aligned with your values, healing, and growth. This is your space—and I’m here to support you with clarity and compassion.
My greatest strengths lie in creating spaces that are culturally affirming, trauma-informed, and deeply intentional. I integrate narrative therapy, mindfulness practices, somatic awareness, and legacy-centered coaching to help clients reconnect with their inner wisdom and move toward healing and growth. Whether we’re working through trauma, navigating life transitions, or clarifying purpose, I offer reflective dialogue, creative rituals, and practical tools that honor your story and support transformation. Clients often share that they feel more grounded, empowered, and aligned after our work together.
My ideal clients are individuals navigating life transitions, healing from trauma, or seeking deeper alignment with their values and purpose. Many come with a desire to reclaim their voice, reconnect with their inner wisdom, or move through stuckness with clarity and compassion. I’m especially attuned to serving women, creatives, caregivers, and those carrying intergenerational stories. Whether through therapy or coaching, I support clients who are ready to do the work—who value reflection, cultural resonance, and soulful strategy as they move toward healing, growth, and joy.
Other specialties
I identify as
Cash - $75 per session
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Anthem - Medicare
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield - Medicare
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Golden Rule
GTEB
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
CBT is a method of psychotherapy that focuses on adjusting thoughts that are not helpful and most likely cause unpredictable behaviors and emotions. In my practice, we explore and challenge the recurring thoughts attached to the feelings causing the difficulties, and identify what is needed to get to a healthier place.
4 ratings with written reviews
January 28, 2026
My therapy sessions with Debra J Kearse -Thomas I feel listened too and feel very comfortable opening up. Since I have more than just a few life challenges that I’m dealing with . I was hesitant about starting therapy . However my sessions with her have been very helpful in sorting out my problems. And finding solutions to my issues and fears . I’m very glad that I chose Debra for my therapist!
December 31, 2025
During my session with Debra J Kearse-Thomas I felt listened to and she gave honest feedback. That is very important to me for my counseling sessions. Also Debra was able to tap into the main source of my issues/concerns.
May 17, 2025
Debra J Kearse is amazing. She is so understanding, professional and knowledgeable in her field. Debra is thoughtful and kind. She knows just what to say to help me reach my goals. I appreciate her energy, and she is always very pleasant. Each session she is ready to listen, and she hears what I need to say. I am always empowered when I leave her sessions. She is definitely an amazing person. I would recommend her others that need support.