The
only thing that we can know is that we know nothing and that is the highest
flight of human wisdom. - Leo Tolstoy
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.
BIOGRAPHY
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
AND 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 / ACTIVITIES
Research
and Evaluation for the Academy of Healing Arts for Teens- AHA!; Adjunct faculty,
Antioch University of Santa Barbara Member; Board Member, National Association
of Social Workers Santa Barbara Chapter; Board Member, Mental Health Commission
of Santa Barbara: Committee Member, Adult System of Care for Mental Health Commission
PROFESSIONAL
INTERESTS AND SPECIALTIES
Strength-based
and culturally sensitive therapy and interventions
Family
Therapy including issues of substance abuse, blended families, parenting, step-parenting,
single parenting, adolescent problems, abuse, extended family, in-law conflicts
Relationship
therapy to help couples develop effective and positive communication skills,
to resolve family-of-origin issues, to enhance intimacy, and build trust and
commitment. Issues include dating, premarital, marital therapy, separation,
divorce adjustment, bereavement, communication, intimacy and sexuality
Helping
teenagers and young adults navigate complex issues related to identity, body
image, life values, individuation and differentiation, family struggles, relationships
with peers, and school difficulties
Evaluation
and treatment of a broad range of emotional problems including depression, bipolar
disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, posttraumatic
stress disorder and eating disorders
Evaluation
and interventions for children/teens who are not doing well in school as a result
of ADHD, learning disabilities, oppositional behavior, or mood issues that interfere
with learning.
School
consulting for Special Education with strength-based recommendations for treatment
and interventions.
Stress
Management including relaxation training, breathing exercises, guided imagery,
thought stopping, present focus, and meditation
Committed
to working with people from diverse economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds
for a variety of problems
The Family
Therapy Institute of Santa Barbara: providing psychotherapy to individuals,
couples and families for 25 years.