Deborah Petry, LCSW - Therapist in Connecticut

About Deborah

Deborah Petry is a licensed clinical social worker who focuses on relationship concerns, addictions, intimacy issues, and parenting. She brings 16 years of experience and a calm, collaborative style. Parents and partners often come to her hoping to improve communication, address substance use, or rebuild trust.

She emphasizes working at each person’s pace and clarifying practical goals. Her sessions are person-centered and straightforward. Deborah listens first, then helps identify small steps that lead to change.

Background and approach

She uses concrete tools and exercises rather than long theoretical talks. Many people appreciate clear guidance they can try between sessions. When working with couples, she uses the Gottman Method and practical exercises aimed at improving day-to-day interactions.

For substance use and motivation, she draws on motivational interviewing to support readiness for change. Cognitive behavioral techniques help when patterns of thinking or behavior cause repeated problems. Deborah trained and practiced across multiple approaches so she can match methods to a client’s goals.

She uses what helps most - whether that is short-term problem solving or deeper work on relationship patterns. Her tone is matter-of-fact and supportive, focused on doable next steps. Sessions are offered in English from Connecticut and use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

Deborah encourages people to start by identifying one clear issue to work on and then building on progress over time.

Online approaches that fit family and relationship issues

Deborah uses the Gottman Method to give couples clear exercises and step-by-step practices for improving daily interaction and trust. The Gottman work focuses on communication habits, rebuilding connection after conflict, and practical tasks couples can do between sessions.

She also draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT to help people notice and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. CBT is helpful for mood concerns, anxiety, and problems that repeat because of the same thinking or actions. Motivational Interviewing is used when substance use or readiness for change is a focus; it supports people in finding their own reasons to try something different.

Choosing the right method is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk about goals and preferences, try approaches that fit, and adjust as needed. Clients and the therapist decide together which tools to keep using.

Online therapy here includes video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to make sessions flexible. These options let people fit work into busy family schedules and stay connected between appointments. Deborah aims to make regular contact practical and consistent so clients can try new skills in real life and discuss what works next.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

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.

Gottman Method

A research-based framework for couples, focused on how partners argue, repair, and stay connected. Practical and structured, with exercises to try between sessions.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Deborah Petry address?

She works with addictions, relationship and intimacy-related issues, and parenting concerns. Additional areas include communication problems, infidelity, divorce and separation, and mood or personality related challenges.

What is her general approach in sessions?

Deborah uses a person-centered style that starts with listening and clarifying goals. She then introduces practical tools and exercises tailored to each person’s pace.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 16 years of clinical experience working with individuals and couples. That experience includes training in structured couples work and addiction-related approaches.

What credentials and location are listed?

The clinician is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, with licenses NY LCSW 079052 and CT LCSW 13463, based in Connecticut.

Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?

Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.

In what formats are sessions offered?

Therapy is available via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. Clients can choose the format that fits their schedule and needs.

How does cost and billing work?

Fees vary with location and therapist availability and are provided through a subscription model. The subscription can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with this therapist?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire. After that you can schedule sessions according to the therapist’s availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Addictions
Relationship issues

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 16 years
Licensed: New York, Connecticut
Languages: English

Next step

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