Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
– Mary Oliver
Santa Barbara Local
I love Santa Barbara, my home for over 30 years. It’s where I have experienced life, with incredible highlights as well as the shadows, that have all been a part of the journey.
In my life, I have chosen to focus on the positive with an attitude of respect and appreciation. I am deeply inspired by the natural beauty of our world, the arts, and authentic connection to people through heartfelt and soulful relationship.
My training is in depth psychology with respect and appreciation for people’s cultural stories, traditions, mythology and rituals. The human experience viewed through the filters of anthropology, mythology, poetic traditions and spiritual belief systems is valuable. Building a life worth living and having meaning and purpose are truly important. Bearing witness to other people’s lives and experiences is powerful. That said, I am also a realist because I do know life can be very painful at times. Helping others to navigate life when challenges create significant obstacles is something I feel truly passionate about.
"You will not find a therapist in Santa Barbara that has the wealth of knowledge, experience and compassion that Debra has. I felt safe, understood and learned a lot about myself throughout the time we worked together. She helped me immensely with my anxiety and depression."
A Call to Help Others
I recognize that it can be difficult to find a therapist that understands you and that whom you feel comfortable with. Life is not always easy. When the challenges of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or difficult life transitions are added, it can feel overwhelming. I’m known for being authentic and honest and compassionate. I want to help you find your focus and develop an understanding of your own unique journey.
I will meet you or your loved ones, and together we will look at the possibility of a more hopeful future, the accomplishment of personal goals, and starting to build a life worth living.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in California, with extensive education, training, professional experience, as well as life experience. I have over 15 years of experience with several mental health organizations in Santa Barbara in the role of lead therapist, group facilitator, and administrator. Although I have held many roles including Clinical Director and Clinical Supervisor, my true passion is working with individuals and couples. I feel very strongly about the work I do to help those who are struggling with challenges in their lives. I am delighted to now be in private practice, with my office in the heart of beautiful Santa Barbara. Let my passion for serving others benefit you. I invite you to contact me. I understand that life can be difficult at times but I am here to help.