Debra Sarno, LCSW - Therapist in New York

About Debra

Debra Sarno is a licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of experience. She works from New York and draws on clinical training that includes Columbia University School of Social Work and additional training in Ericksonian hypnosis. She speaks English and brings practical, down-to-earth support for people facing stress, grief, parenting questions, mood concerns, and major life changes.

Her approach centers on listening first and tailoring a plan to each person.

Background and approach

Sessions focus on clear goals and small steps that can be used between meetings. She uses tools from cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness to help with thoughts, emotions, and day-to-day coping. Hypnotherapy and solution-focused methods are added when they fit a person’s needs.

Debra has worked in clinics, hospitals, and schools, which gives her a broad view of how problems show up in different settings. That background informs how she shapes treatment plans and practical strategies for everyday life. She also draws on experience helping people with caregiving stress, blended family challenges, workplace problems, chronic illness, and end-of-life concerns.

In sessions she aims to create a calm, respectful space where people can talk through challenges and try different strategies. The work combines focused skill-building with supportive listening. Progress is tracked by specific goals and real-life results.

People who choose her can expect a collaborative process. Together they’ll set priorities, try interventions that match the person’s style, and adjust as needed to meet goals and improve daily functioning.

Therapy approaches and online options that fit your life

Client-centered therapy focuses on listening and building a respectful relationship so people can find their own solutions; it helps when someone needs time and space to talk through feelings and priorities. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, looks at how thoughts, behaviors, and emotions interact and teaches concrete skills to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and change unhelpful patterns. Mindfulness therapy trains attention and present-moment awareness to reduce reactivity and improve coping with stress and chronic life challenges.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist collaborates with each person to choose methods that match their goals and preferences. Together they may try one approach first and adjust based on what helps most in everyday life.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility. Video calls allow face-to-face conversations from home, phone sessions can fit tight schedules, and live chat or text messaging offer brief check-ins and ongoing support between meetings. These options make it easier to keep continuity of care and use therapeutic tools in real settings when life is busy.

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.

Mindfulness Therapy

Attention training: noticing thoughts and physical feelings as they arrive without being carried off by them. Much of it is practice you do yourself, so guidance over video or audio works much as it would in person.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does this therapist address?

She works with a wide range of issues including stress, anxiety, grief, parenting questions, self-esteem, mood disorders, relationship and family problems, trauma and caregiving stress.

What is the therapy style like in sessions?

Sessions emphasize listening, practical steps, and goal-setting. Techniques come from client-centered listening, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, solution-focused work, and hypnotherapy when appropriate.

How much clinical experience does the therapist have?

She has 30 years of professional experience and has worked in clinics, hospitals, and schools, which informs her practical approach to treatment.

What credentials and location are listed for this therapist?

The clinician is a licensed clinical social worker, LCSW, licensed in New York with registration NY LCSW 028988 and practices from New York.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

What session formats are available for online work?

Work can be done by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different schedules and preferences.

How does pricing and payment work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin if I want to work together?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Stress, Anxiety
Grief
Parenting issues

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 30 years
Licensed: New York
Languages: English

Next step

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