Debra Washington, LCSW - Therapist in New York

About Debra

Debra Washington is a licensed clinical social worker who helps people facing relationship strain, self-esteem problems, depression, and major life changes. She works with those wrestling with communication breakdowns and trust issues. Her style is straightforward and compassionate, aimed at practical steps rather than long lectures.

Families and parenting concerns are among the areas she addresses in her work. She uses techniques drawn from client-centered therapy to make sessions feel collaborative and respectful.

Background and approach

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is used to identify unhelpful thoughts and try new responses. Motivational Interviewing supports people who want to make change but feel stuck. Solution-Focused Therapy helps set clear, reachable goals and track progress.

Over 15 years in practice have given her experience with divorce and separation, social anxiety, isolation, body image worries, and midlife transitions. Those concerns often overlap, and she helps clients untangle them one step at a time. Sessions emphasize small, practical adjustments that fit into everyday life.

Debra holds a Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential - LCSW - and practices in New York. She offers sessions by video, phone, live chat, and text messaging to fit different schedules. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

Getting started involves selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and scheduling a time based on therapist availability. All sessions are conducted in English and international clients are not accepted.

How specific approaches work online

Client-Centered Therapy means sessions focus on the person’s experience and priorities. The therapist listens closely and helps people name what matters most so goals come from the client. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, involves identifying thoughts and habits that keep problems going and then practicing different ways of thinking and acting. CBT is practical for depression, anxiety, and stuck patterns.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Debra will discuss options and try methods that match a person’s goals and preferences. That choice is collaborative - she adjusts strategies as progress is tracked and new needs arise.

Online sessions make it possible to use these methods without commuting. Video calls allow face-to-face interaction for skill practice and feedback. Phone, live chat, and text-based messaging offer shorter check-ins, homework support, and flexible contact when schedules are tight. These formats help fit therapy into everyday life while keeping the focus on tangible steps and steady progress.

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.

Motivational Interviewing

A way of working through mixed feelings about change without being pushed. The therapist helps you weigh things up and find your own reasons, which often makes a difficult decision feel less stuck.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns can Debra help with?

She works with relationship and family stress, self-esteem and depression, and coping with life changes like separation or midlife transitions. Other areas include body image, communication problems, and social anxiety.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style is client-centered and collaborative, focusing on listening and working with each person’s goals. She also uses practical methods like CBT and solution-focused techniques to try new behaviors and set achievable steps.

How much experience does she have?

Debra has 15 years of clinical practice experience working with a range of emotional and relationship issues. That background informs a practical, step-by-step approach in sessions.

Where is she licensed and located?

She holds a New York Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential, listed as LCSW 090115, and practices in New York.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

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

What session formats are available?

She provides video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to match different needs and schedules.

How does cost and payment work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription 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 according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Relationship issues
Family conflicts
Self esteem

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience: 15 years
Licensed: New York
Languages: English

Next step

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