Deborah Miller

As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) since 2013, I bring a compassionate and collaborative approach to therapy, grounded in extensive experience and specialized training. I hold a Master of Science in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from Sacramento State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

My clinical journey began with internships at Victor Community Support Services in Nevada County and The Lighthouse Counseling and Family Resource Center in Lincoln, where I worked with emotionally disturbed youth and their families, addressing challenges such as trauma, substance abuse, domestic violence, and parenting issues. Further experience includes supporting survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence at the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Coalition in Grass Valley, and providing case management for adults living with HIV at the Sierra Foothills AIDS Foundation in Auburn.

To enhance my therapeutic skills, I have completed specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Parts I and II, and a two-year basic skills training in Mindfulness and Experiential Therapy through the Hakomi Institute of San Francisco. I have also received intensive training in Hakomi Couples Therapy and am certified in the "Bringing Baby Home" program by the John Gottman Institute, focusing on strengthening couples' relationships during the transition to parenthood.

Building comfort and trust in any relationship can be challenging, and finding a safe, reliable, and trustworthy therapist is a crucial step in that journey. My goal is to create a therapeutic environment where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions without judgment or criticism. I believe in assisting individuals to relax and trust their own process, fostering greater calm, clarity, and acceptance through mindful, moment-by-moment awareness.

I am deeply committed to helping men, women, adolescents, and their families navigate difficult life transitions. Whether you're dealing with trauma, relationship issues, parenting challenges, or personal growth, I aim to support you in finding your way through these experiences.

Our initial session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and lay the foundation for our therapeutic relationship. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy, explore relevant past experiences, and begin to identify your goals for our work together. This session is about creating a safe and supportive space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to embark on your journey toward healing and personal growth.

I believe in a collaborative approach to goal setting, working closely with you to identify specific, realistic objectives that align with your values and aspirations. Together, we'll break down these goals into manageable steps and adjust them as needed to ensure steady progress. This process is designed to empower you, foster self-awareness, and support meaningful change in your life.