- 25 years experience
- Focus on practical tools
- Works with adults
About Debra
Debra Thurman is a Montana Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 25 years of experience. She prefers working with adults and focuses on practical steps people can use to feel steadier in daily life. Her approach centers on respect, sensitivity, and compassion during conversations about difficult issues.
She often helps people dealing with stress and anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, depression, and the effects of trauma and grief. She also supports those facing sleep problems, parenting strain, career concerns, and the ups and downs of bipolar mood. Debra is comfortable addressing aging and caregiver stress, chronic illness, codependency, and other long-term challenges.
In session she adapts the conversation and plan to each person. That means listening first, then offering tools that fit the situation. Techniques can include work with thoughts and everyday habits to change how problems happen in daily life.
Debra draws on several therapeutic styles, including acceptance-based work, cognitive behavior strategies, skills from dialectical behavior therapy, emotionally-focused listening, and client-centered dialogue. She uses these approaches to help people notice patterns and try small changes.
Her tone in the room is supportive and straightforward. She encourages realistic goals and practices people can use between sessions. If someone wants a steady, experienced guide for managing stress or rebuilding confidence, Debra aims to be that partner on the way forward.
She often helps people dealing with stress and anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, depression, and the effects of trauma and grief. She also supports those facing sleep problems, parenting strain, career concerns, and the ups and downs of bipolar mood. Debra is comfortable addressing aging and caregiver stress, chronic illness, codependency, and other long-term challenges.
In session she adapts the conversation and plan to each person. That means listening first, then offering tools that fit the situation. Techniques can include work with thoughts and everyday habits to change how problems happen in daily life.
Debra draws on several therapeutic styles, including acceptance-based work, cognitive behavior strategies, skills from dialectical behavior therapy, emotionally-focused listening, and client-centered dialogue. She uses these approaches to help people notice patterns and try small changes.
Her tone in the room is supportive and straightforward. She encourages realistic goals and practices people can use between sessions. If someone wants a steady, experienced guide for managing stress or rebuilding confidence, Debra aims to be that partner on the way forward.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
LGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersParenting issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorder
Additional focus areas
Aging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesControl issuesDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
25+ years
Credentials
Montana
Languages
English
How specific approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, focuses on noticing thoughts without fighting them and choosing actions that match personal values. It can help with anxiety, depression, and making clearer choices in daily life.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions. It teaches practical exercises to change unhelpful thinking patterns and everyday habits that keep problems going.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, offers skills for managing intense emotions and improving interpersonal effectiveness. It is useful for people who need structure around emotion regulation and coping strategies.
Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences and suggest which methods to try first. This is a collaborative process and adjustments are made as needed.
If you are considering online sessions, confirm the session options before booking since formats were not specified in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy around busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. It can also allow people to practice new skills in the settings where they live and work.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does Debra address?
She helps people with stress, anxiety, anger, depression, and trauma among other concerns. Her list also includes sleep issues, parenting strain, career questions, and bipolar mood challenges.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Sessions are conversational and practical. She listens first and then suggests exercises and habit changes that fit daily life.
What is her professional background?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of professional experience working with adults across many concerns.
Where is she based and licensed?
She is licensed in Montana and practices there.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions priced?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What are the first steps to begin therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule an appointment according to therapist availability.