Debra Fitzgerald, LPC-MHSP

Debra Fitzgerald is a licensed professional counselor, LPC-MHSP, practicing in Tennessee with more than 22 years of experience. She helps people who are overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, grief, or major life changes. Debra focuses on practical support that people can use between sessions. Her work often addresses relationship strain, substance use concerns, body image and eating issues, and loneliness. She also brings experience helping those facing aging-related challenges, caregiver stress, cancer-related concerns, and end-of-life matters. Midlife crisis and transitions are a named area of focus. Debra blends straightforward listening with skill-building. Sessions often include talking through current problems, spotting patterns that keep difficulties going, and trying small changes to test what helps. She aims for a calm, respectful pace and clear steps people can try on their own. She uses several clinical approaches depending on the person’s needs, including client-centered methods, cognitive behavioral techniques, and elements of the Gottman Method for relationship work. Those tools are applied flexibly to match each person’s goals. People who choose her practice typically want someone experienced and down-to-earth. She meets clients where they are and focuses on usable strategies, emotional processing, and rebuilding daily routines that support better coping.

How therapy approaches translate to online care

Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening without judgment and following the client's lead. It helps people feel heard and understood, and supports self-directed growth and clarity about personal values.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on spotting unhelpful thinking and testing different behaviors. It is useful for anxiety, mood problems, panic, and habits linked to addictions or eating concerns.

The Gottman Method offers tools for improving communication and reducing conflict in relationships. When relationship issues are a main concern, it helps people practice concrete skills for clearer dialogue and repair after arguments.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about goals, preferences, and what feels most comfortable. Together they choose techniques and pace the work to fit real life needs.

Confirm the session formats available before booking, as specific online options are not listed here. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow brief check-ins when a shorter session is helpful. It can also accommodate people who prefer not to be on camera or who need lower bandwidth options, depending on the session formats offered.