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Headshot of Deborah Willis, LMFT

Dr. Deborah Willis

Therapist
24 years of experience
  • Virtual
  • Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
  • Family therapy, Couples therapy, Individual therapy

Great to meet you!

I believe everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported. With over 24 years of experience, I have had the privilege of helping couples, families, military service members, veterans and their loved ones navigate life's challenges. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, life transitions, or simply feeling overwhelmed, my goal is to create a warm, safe, and judgment free space where you can be yourself. I approach every client with compassion, respect, and genuine commitment to helping you find healing, build on your strengths, and move forward with confidence.

My approach to therapy

With over 24 years of experience in mental health counseling, I provide a safe, welcoming, and judgment-free space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your individual needs. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you recognize and change unhelpful thoughts patterns, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to build emotional regulation and coping skills, and Solution-Focused Therapy to identify your strengths and practical solutions. I also draw from Person-Centered Therapy, Family System Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for trauma related concerns, and the Grief Recovery Method to help you work through loss. My experience working with individuals, couples, families, military service members, and veterans has taught me that everyone's journey is different. During our first sessions, I will explain the methods we use, help you understand how they support your goals, and work alongside you at a pace that feels comfortable. Together, we will focus on healing, personal growth, healthier relationships, and meaningful, lasting change.

What you can expect from me

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, and I want you to feel comfortable and supported from the moment we meet. During our first session, we will take time to get to know one another, discuss what brings you to therapy, and explore any concerns or challenges you may be experiencing. I will ask questions about your background, personal experiences, relationships and what you hope to accomplish through counseling. We will also talk about confidentiality, what you can expect from therapy, and begin identifying goals that are meaningful to you. There is no pressure to share more than you feel comfortable discussing. My goal is to create a warm, welcoming, and judgment-free environment where you feel heard, respected, and understood. Together, we will begin developing a plan that supports your needs, builds on your strengths, and helps you move toward positive change.

About me

  • I identify as
    Black or African descent, Cisgender Woman
  • My style is
    Empowering, Holistic, Warm

Qualification and insurance

  • Years of experience
    24 years of experience
  • Training
    Other - Masters at Chapman University, PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) at Walden University
  • License type
    LMFT (Licensed Marriage/Family Therapist) (Washington)
  • Licensed in
  • Insurance accepted
    Aetna, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Horizon Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Jersey

Cost

Care details

  • Top specialties
    Anxiety, Depression, Grief or loss, PTSD
  • More specialties
    Stress management, Anger management, Relationship issues, Trauma
  • Therapy methods
    Strategic Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD, Relational, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Processing (CPT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Solution Focused Couples Therapy, Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), Trauma Focused CBT, Seeking Safety, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Structural Family
  • Care types
    Family therapy, Couples therapy, Individual therapy
  • Ages served
    Adults, Adolescents, Seniors
  • Languages
    English