Couples therapists in Austin, TX

Hi and Welcome! I'm grateful you're taking the time to explore what connecting with me may be like. I was twenty-something when life taught me strong relationships are the key to health and well-being. Neuroscience has proven this true and we now know that we are inherently wired for connection on a neurobiological level. Connection isn’t a luxury, it’s essential to our survival. Ironically, it’s connection that can also be the source of our most profound pain and suffering. No matter how deep the hurt or how great the loss, things can shift when we feel seen, heard, and understood by another. We heal in connection with others.

I believe that self-compassion and self-acceptance are essential for promoting growth and healing. My work with clients is informed by multiple therapeutic approaches grounded in psychodynamic, attachment, somatic, emotion-focused, and mindfulness-based techniques to help clients reconnect with themselves and heal at a core level. I regularly utilize AEDP, ISTDP and Internal Family Systems with clients. I aim to help clients heal the source of their distress, build capacity for emotion expression and regulation, and incorporate behaviors that lead to a healthier self and stronger relationships.

I received my B.A. in Psychology from Vassar College and my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Palo Alto University in Palo Alto, CA.

Some of my passions include working with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ folks. I enjoy working with individuals and couples. I have additional training on Emotion Focused Therapy allowing me to connect with attachment needs and help heal through establishing a secure attachment in relationships.

I work with clients from all walks of life in navigating this chaotic world we find ourselves in. We often unintentionally rely on coping skills and beliefs about ourselves that reinforce feelings of sadness or worry rather than relieve them just to survive day to day. Through a warm, often humorous, and always open-minded person centered approach, I am here to help you examine what does and does not serve you to create or find new ways to approach life so that you can start thriving rather than surviving.

Debra is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist with advanced continued education at Harvard Medical School using research-based practices for Professionals, Couples and Individuals including Adolescents. Specializing in Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, OCD, Infertility, Women’s Sexual Health, PCOS, PMDD, Peri/Post Menopause management as a Certified Integrative Health Coach. Debra is an invited guest speaker at medical conferences, mental health and workplace wellness and a private practice owner.

Since 2011, I have worked with women at all stages of pregnancy and motherhood, including those who have experienced infertility, pregnancy loss or complications, birth trauma, a NICU stay and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders.

I am dedicated to providing support to parents and being a mom myself, I understand the joys and hardships!

I received my Master’s Degree in Social Work from The University of Texas at Austin and I have a BS in Psychology from Texas State University.

I strive to empower clients to regain agency of their own health and well-being. With 30+ years of being a therapist, I understand that making desired changes can be challenging and fulfilling at the same time.

I am a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor, perpetually curious about your stories and perspectives. I specialize in treating individuals who are experiencing depression, anxiety, interpersonal conflict, and have a history of relational trauma. My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming, body positive, trauma sensitive, culturally sensitive, sex-positive, and mindful of neurodivergencies and abilities.