Debbie uses a blend of traditional and holistic psychotherapeutic methods to help families and individuals achieve their goals and experience fulfilling lives. She works to help release unwanted patterns/beliefs and unresolved feelings that are blocking personal power, self-acceptance and satisfying relationships. Debbie’s genuine warmth and caring is evident in her natural inclination to notice the best in people and help them mobilize changes that allow them to deepen relationships with others. She believes that in the safety of the therapeutic setting, people will find the motivation and courage to face their fears and open their hearts in a new way. Healing involves the whole person-mind, heart, body and spirit. She facilitates a process whereby individuals and families can draw on their strengths, deepen their relationships, and walk the razors edge to overcome fears and limitations of the past in order to live with grace and courage.

Experience

• Clinical Staff Member of the Family Therapy Institute of Santa Barbara since 2000
• Adjunct faculty for the Clinical Psychology Masters Program at Antioch University of Santa Barbara since 2000
• 20 years of community and private practice including inpatient hospitals, outpatient treatment programs, residential treatment, and school based therapy.
• Family therapy. Marital therapy. Child and Adolescent therapy. Mult-Systemic Therapy (MST). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
  

Education & Credentials
Diplomate in Clinical Social Work from the National Association of Social Workers; Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1988; Masters Degree in Social Welfare from UCLA, 1985; Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from UCSB, 1983.

Professional Affiliations
Vice President California Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers; Board Member, National Association of Social Workers Santa Barbara Chapter.