PuttingFamilyFirst

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

DP Portrait of Debra Pruyn
Online therapist

Debra Pruyn

Practical support to reach clear goals

Credentials
LCSW
Experience
25 years
Licensed in
Oregon, Delaware
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Debra

Debra Pruyn is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 25 years of experience. She uses solution-focused methods to help people set clear, realistic goals and take small steps toward them. Debra writes in plain terms and aims to be a steady, practical presence for people facing stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, and life transitions.

She trained at Adelphi University, earning a Master of Social Work degree in 1995, and has held clinical licenses in Oregon and Delaware.

Background and approach

Over her career she has worked in probation, early intervention, mental health, and addiction services, helping people sort through complicated problems and find workable next steps. Her background includes supporting those coping with bipolar disorder and severe mental illness. In sessions she focuses on identifying what a person wants to change and building simple, concrete plans to get there.

She encourages clients to organize thoughts, break problems into manageable pieces, and track small successes. People can expect direct, supportive guidance aimed at practical progress. Debra offers multiple online ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging.

Messaging is checked two to three times daily, and she often has more availability in the evenings and on weekends. Session length is typically 30 minutes, with flexibility when clients need different timing. Services are provided in English from her Delaware location.

She does not take international clients. To begin, follow the site’s Start Therapy steps to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a session based on her availability.

Solution-Focused Care and Online Access

Debra uses Solution-Focused Therapy, which concentrates on current goals and practical steps rather than long reviews of the past. This approach suits people who want clear actions, short-term progress, and measurable changes in daily life.

Her work emphasizes making small, achievable shifts. Sessions typically identify one or two specific goals and plan concrete next steps to try between meetings. That method can help with stress, anxiety, coping with life changes, addictions, and workplace or family problems.

Finding the best approach is collaborative. She will listen to your needs, try solution-focused techniques, and adjust the plan based on what works. Together a client and therapist decide how to pace sessions and which tools to use to meet goals.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect. Video calls let for face-to-face conversation, phone sessions are convenient on the go, and live chat or text messaging support brief check-ins and ongoing contact. These options make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules and to keep progress moving between appointments.

Solution-Focused Therapy

Rather than examining the problem at length, this looks at what is already working and builds on it. Sessions tend to be practical and forward-looking, with small achievable steps, which translates readily to shorter online conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she address?
She helps with stress, anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, addictions, bipolar symptoms, anger, and coping with life changes. Family, parenting, workplace issues, isolation, and women’s issues are also listed focus areas.
What is her therapeutic style?
Debra uses Solution-Focused Therapy to set brief, concrete goals and build small, doable steps. Sessions center on what clients want to change and practical ways to get there.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings 25 years of social work and therapy experience across probation, early intervention, mental health, and addiction settings. That background informs her practical, goal-oriented approach.
What credentials and location are listed?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with license numbers OR LCSW L8013 and DE LCSW Q1-0012034 and is based in Delaware.
Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not accepting international clients at this time.
What session formats are available?
Clients can connect via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on preference and scheduling.
How does pricing work?
Cost varies by location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session according to her availability.

Specialties and expertise

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
25 years
Licensed
Oregon, Delaware
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Debra

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