PuttingFamilyFirst

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DF Portrait of Deana Fisher
Online therapist

Deana Fisher

Trusted clinician for everyday family challenges

Credentials
LMSW
Experience
40 years
Licensed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Deana

Deana Fisher is a licensed social worker in Michigan with 40 years of professional experience. She focuses on practical help for stress, anxiety, mood struggles, and motivation. Deana aims to meet people where they are and treat them with respect and compassion.

She keeps sessions straightforward and goal-oriented. Conversations are shaped to fit each person's needs, not one fixed method. That might mean working on thinking patterns, learning coping skills, or addressing the fallout from trauma.

Background and approach

Deana has long experience with issues that affect family life and parenting. She also addresses concerns such as grief, anger, career shifts, compassion fatigue, and chronic illness challenges. Her background includes work with adoption and foster care, attachment concerns, blended family dynamics, and other family of origin problems.

Her clinical toolbox includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Focused Therapy. These methods are used to help with things like managing overwhelming emotions, improving communication, and making practical behavior changes. Sessions are adapted to what each person needs, with an emphasis on clear steps and skills that can be used between visits.

Deana recognizes that starting therapy takes courage and she works to make that first step feel manageable.

How therapy approaches translate to online care

Deana commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma-Focused Therapy to help people in online sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and trying new behaviors to change mood and stress. It can be useful for anxiety, low mood, and managing day-to-day problems. Trauma-Focused Therapy concentrates on processing difficult memories and reducing their hold on current life, which can help people who have experienced abuse or other traumatic events.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with each person about their goals, preferences, and what feels manageable. Together they decide which methods to try and adjust the plan as progress is made.

Online formats offered include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules and to continue work between visits. Many people find the variety helpful for keeping momentum and trying tools in real life while getting guidance from a licensed professional.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Concrete skills for riding out strong emotion, tolerating distress, and handling relationships without things escalating. The skills are practised in daily life, so between-session support by message or phone fits naturally.

Motivational Interviewing

A way of working through mixed feelings about change without being pushed. The therapist helps you weigh things up and find your own reasons, which often makes a difficult decision feel less stuck.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Deana often address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, grief, anger, career transitions, and compassion fatigue.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her approach is practical and collaborative, focusing on clear steps, useful skills, and respectful listening. Sessions are tailored to each person's situation and goals.
What kind of experience does she bring?
She has 40 years of professional experience working in clinical settings and community services, bringing long-term familiarity with complex and everyday life problems.
Where is she licensed and what credential does she hold?
She is a Licensed Master Social Worker - LMSW - licensed in Michigan with license number MI LMSW 6801061880.
Are sessions available in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What formats are offered for sessions?
Sessions can be done by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.
How are costs and payment handled?
Costs vary with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What is the first step to begin therapy?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Next step

Talk to Deana

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