Dr. Deborah Johnson Hayes

I am a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience guiding individuals, children, and families through life’s most complex challenges. My practice is built on a trauma-focused lens and a relationship-based approach, meaning I prioritize creating a safe, secure therapeutic bond to foster true healing. I believe in addressing wellness holistically, looking at how your mind, body, relationships, and environment interconnect to impact your overall well-being.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with diverse populations including extensive practice experience in public and private school settings, and private practice experiences within the hospital Emergency Room, Home Health agencies, Community Mental Health clinics, and Infant/Toddler and Early Child Development.

I offer specialized expertise in navigating the unique transitions of Maternal/Infant Mental Health, supporting Veterans, military-connected families and First Responders utilizing Holistic treatment modalities, addressing adult relationship challenges impacting health and emotional well-being, and supporting adolescent mental health including providing Wellness Coaching to Elite Junior athletes in issues impacting varying emotions associated with their performance including motivation, focus, performance anxiety, depression, maladaptive perfectionism and burnout.

I hold a Psy.D. in Organizational Management and Consulting from Phillips Graduate Institute in Encino, CA., MSW and MPH degrees from UC Berkeley, in Community Mental Health/School Social Work and Social Work Administration/Maternal and Child Health and a B.A in Psychology from UC Berkeley. I have a Pupil Personnel Credential (CA) and received a Parent/Infant Mental Health Certificate from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, CA.

My therapeutic style is warm, interactive, and collaborative. I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, I draw from various evidence-based modalities—including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Attachment Theory, and Mindfulness practices—tailored specifically to your cultural background and unique life story. We will work together to honor your past experiences while building a resilient, healthier future.

My first session with a client will consist of the client informing why they are seeking therapy and their providing background information pertinent to their symptoms and concerns. I will be open to listening to the client' and will support setting goals for addressing their presenting concerns.