PuttingFamilyFirst

The therapist listings are provided by BetterHelp and we will earn a commission if you use our link - at no cost to you.

DS Portrait of Deborah Salant
Online therapist

Deborah Salant

Family-focused LICSW helping parents and couples

Book with Deborah
Credentials
LICSW
Experience
33 years
Licensed in
Massachusetts
Languages
English, French
Format
Online sessions

About Deborah

Deborah Salant uses a practical, person-focused approach to help families and parents facing hard moments. She is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker - LICSW with 33 years of experience. Deborah meets people where they are and focuses on clear goals and steady progress.

She speaks English and French and works with individuals, couples, and families in Massachusetts and beyond. Deborah blends several tried approaches so sessions fit each family’s needs.

Background and approach

She often uses client-centered listening to understand what matters most. She can apply cognitive behavioral techniques when thoughts and routines are getting in the way. Emotionally-focused work helps couples and family members reconnect around painful feelings.

Her background includes long-term work with chronic depression, anxiety, and substance use concerns. She has also supported people through fertility challenges and cares for families managing aging relatives and health problems. Deborah is experienced with parenting issues and uses behavioral strategies with parents of young children.

In sessions she starts by taking a short history to clarify the main problems. She aims to build a working alliance that feels safe enough for honest talk. Goal setting is part of the process and progress is checked regularly.

Meetings are typically weekly or biweekly depending on where people are in their work. Deborah values openness to different identities and lifestyles and works respectfully with clients across the LGBT community. Her style is straightforward and collaborative, focused on helping families solve problems and feel more connected.

Therapeutic approaches that translate to online care

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening without judgment and prioritizes what matters most to each person; online this looks like sessions where the therapist reflects concerns and helps clients set priorities. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and changing routines that keep problems going; it is practical and often includes exercises to try between sessions. Emotionally-Focused Therapy helps partners and family members recognize and respond to the emotions beneath conflict, which can be addressed in video or phone sessions through guided conversations.

Finding the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will work with each client to choose methods that match the goals, comfort level, and family situation. Approaches can change over time as needs shift, and Deborah adjusts techniques so they fit the family’s pace and preferences.

Online formats offer flexibility for busy parents and caregivers. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction, phone sessions provide convenience, and live chat or text-based messaging can help maintain continuity between meetings. These options make it easier to fit regular meetings into a busy week and to keep work going when life gets in the way.

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.

Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)

Attends to the emotions underneath a recurring argument or distance, and to the attachment needs driving them. Often used where a relationship keeps returning to the same painful loop.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of problems does she help with?
She helps with stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, relationship and family concerns, grief, trauma, parenting, sleep and eating issues, and related topics like anger and self-esteem.
What is her main style in therapy?
She uses a mix of client-centered listening, cognitive behavioral techniques, emotionally-focused methods, motivational interviewing, and psychodynamic ideas depending on the situation.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 33 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families on a wide range of concerns.
Where is she based and what are her credentials?
She is based in Massachusetts and holds an MA and LICSW with license number 105173.
Can sessions be done in languages other than English?
Sessions are offered in English and French, and she also accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Sessions can be conducted by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging according to the client’s needs.
How does billing and cost work?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions based on the therapist’s availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
33 years
Licensed
Massachusetts
Languages
English, French

Next step

Talk to Deborah

  • Takes a few minutes
  • Nothing to set up just to look
  • Stop at any point
Book with Deborah