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 Dr. Debra Sandler
Online therapist

Dr. Debra Sandler

Experienced LCSW focused on practical support

Credentials
LCSW
Experience
39 years
Licensed in
New Jersey, Florida
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Debra

Dr. Debra Sandler is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, addictions, depression, parenting challenges, and relationship problems. She brings 39 years of experience and a calm, approachable manner to conversations about difficult feelings and life changes.

Clients can expect straightforward guidance, practical strategies, and help making a plan for everyday problems. Her style is relaxed and conversational. She listens and gently helps people notice patterns in their thoughts and actions.

Background and approach

Then she suggests skills to reduce overwhelm, improve sleep or eating habits, or ease anger and impulsivity. She also supports work on intimacy, self-esteem, and coping after loss or major transitions. Dr.

Sandler trained at the University of Pennsylvania for her master’s degree and completed a doctorate at Nova Southeastern University. She has worked in independent practice for over thirty years and holds Florida and New Jersey LCSW credentials - FL LCSW SW23130 and NJ LCSW 44SC00188400. That experience informs practical approaches rather than long theoretical talks.

Her methods include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based work, Client-Centered techniques, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills. Sessions focus on simple steps clients can use between meetings. She also addresses family of origin issues, parenting concerns, and addiction-related problems.

Sessions are offered in English and are available to international clients. Therapy is scheduled by matching through the site and can be delivered in multiple online formats to fit busy lives.

Therapeutic approaches for online support

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice painful thoughts without getting stuck in them and then take value-driven actions. It is useful for anxiety, stress, and making meaningful life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and changing behaviors that keep problems going; it often helps with depression, sleep and eating concerns, and anger. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at relationship patterns formed early in life and helps people build more supported ways of relating to others and to themselves.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist uses these methods collaboratively, listening to each person’s goals and trying different strategies to see what fits. Together they map out small steps and practical exercises that match the client’s needs and pace.

Online therapy offers flexibility for people with busy schedules or who live far from providers. Video calls enable face-to-face conversation, phone sessions offer simplicity, and live chat or text-based messaging can support brief check-ins and ongoing coaching. These options make it easier to practice skills between meetings and keep therapy consistent during life’s ups and downs.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

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.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, addictions, parenting challenges, relationship and intimacy issues, grief, and a wide range of related concerns listed in her specialties.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her approach is laid back and conversational. She listens, helps make a plan, and teaches practical skills to use between sessions.
What is her professional background?
She has 39 years of experience, a master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania, and a doctorate from Nova Southeastern University, with decades in independent practice.
Where is she licensed and located?
She practices from Florida and holds LCSW credentials in Florida and New Jersey: FL LCSW SW23130 and NJ LCSW 44SC00188400.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
Therapy can be delivered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different needs.
How are sessions paid for?
Sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time; specific cost varies with location and therapist availability.
How do I begin working with her?
Click the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Next step

Talk to Debra

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