Grief counselors and therapists in Johnson City, TN

As a therapist with over a decade of experience, I recognize that taking the first step toward seeking therapy can be difficult, which is why I want to help clients feel comfortable discussing some of life's most challenging topics. As I near the end of my education in Counseling Psychology, I have honed my experience in trauma-informed care. I have experience in working with individuals across the lifespan, but have focused my recent work with adults aged 18+ with extensive trauma and anxiety.

Hi, I'm Dr. Deborah DeFrieze, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 15 years of experience helping people work through anxiety, stress, trauma, grief, depression, and life's hardest transitions. If anxiety or overwhelm has been running the show lately, I'm here to help you take the reins back — with a warm, honest, and practical approach.

My path to this work has been a rich one. Alongside my social work career, I spent 33 years in public education — as a teacher in both regular and special education, an assistant principal, a principal, and an assistant professor — and I served as a missionary in Africa for 18 months. Those experiences taught me to meet people where they are, across every walk of life and stage of change. I hold a Master of Social Work from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and a doctorate in education from the University of Georgia, and I'm also a Licensed Massage Therapist, which deepens my appreciation for the mind-body connection in healing.

I draw on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, tailoring our work to what will help you most.

I love working with people and helping them "grow" through the things of life that they "go" through. A quote that I love to share with clients and live by personally is to remember not to focus on your purpose but to live your life purposely. As a military social worker my background is specific to first responders, but most importantly individuals that are learning their new "normal" after traumatic life events that have unexpectedly shaped them.

I’m a licensed psychologist with advanced training in trauma-informed and culturally responsive care. I earned my doctorate in Counseling Psychology and have worked across clinical, wellness, and consulting settings supporting individuals navigating burnout, identity stress, trauma, mood disorders and major life transitions.

I specialize in working with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), particularly Black women and professionals who are tired of carrying it all and ready to live with more clarity, boundaries, and ease. My work is deeply relational—I believe healing happens in connection, not isolation—and I bring both professional expertise and lived experience into the room.

Outside of therapy, I love vacationing and traveling (rest is not a reward, it’s a right), hosting gatherings at my home, spending time with loved ones, and creating soulful experiences through writing, speaking, and wellness work. Clients often describe me as grounded, warm, and direct—the kind of therapist who will validate you and help you move forward.

Areas of focus include: Burnout and stress management Life transitions and identity exploration Trauma and stuck patterns Boundary-setting and people-pleasing High-achieving professionals navigating overwhelm Clients from marginalized and intersectional identities

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I'm committed to providing a safe and nonjudgmental environment for exploring pathways to psychological and emotional healing. Specializing in Dialectical and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, I believe everyone is worthy of love and happiness. I encourage people to see themselves through that same lens.

Great to meet you. Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming, especially when you're carrying emotional pain, relationship challenges, or life circumstances that have left you feeling stuck or disconnected. I work with adults and adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, relationship issues, family conflict, trauma, grief and loss, identity concerns, and major life transitions. I understand that every person's story is different, and I believe healing begins by creating a space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. Whether you're struggling with overwhelming emotions, navigating changes within your family, coping with loss, or trying to better understand yourself, therapy can provide an opportunity to gain insight, build healthier coping skills, and reconnect with what matters most to you. My goal is to help you move toward greater balance, emotional wellness, and a more fulfilling life.