Deborah Rachel Friedman

Alongside my role as a therapist, I also specialize in training pet, therapy and service dogs. Since 2000 I have assisted more than 70 service dog teams, focusing on areas such as psychiatric support, mobility enhancement and medical alerting. This unique blend of my passions -- supporting individuals and incorporating dogs into the healing process -- has made my practice vibrant, fulfilling and successful. I received my masters in social work from The University of Pennsylvania in 1991 and have enjoyed my career in a variety of settings with an especial emphasis on mental health. I enjoy a wide range of clients and my teletherapy practice is adults only at this time.

I approach therapy as a collaborative journey, helping clients access change in ways that feel meaningful and sustainable. Using an integrative style, I incorporate diverse therapeutic approaches along with curated resources including media and technology when useful. Each client’s path is individualized, with care taken to support their healing while addressing the specific challenges that led them to seek therapy.

In the first session, clients can expect a calm and supportive introduction to the therapy process. I begin by briefly reviewing my services, how I work, and any administrative or logistical details, so there are no unanswered questions. From there, clients are invited to share at a pace that feels comfortable. There is no pressure to know exactly what to say or where to begin. Together, we start to explore what brought them to therapy, what they hope for, and how I can best support them, creating a foundation built on trust, collaboration, and respect for their individual journey.