Debra Washington, LCSW

Debra Washington is a licensed clinical social worker with 15 years of experience helping people through major life transitions and relationship strain. She works with individuals facing depression, self-esteem struggles, and the particular challenges that arise during midlife. Her manner is compassionate and direct, suited to people who want practical support and clear next steps.

Debra focuses on the everyday parts of change. She listens to what matters most, helps untangle communication problems, and supports people coping with divorce or separation. She also addresses loneliness, social anxiety, and issues around body image and self-love.

Her sessions aim to be straightforward and collaborative. Debra draws on approaches that emphasize the client’s perspective, problem solving, and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. She helps clients set achievable goals and practice new ways of coping between meetings.

Based in New York, Debra brings experience supporting both women’s and men’s concerns while keeping conversation grounded and practical. She encourages clients to try small experiments and track what helps, rather than relying on abstract talk alone.

People who prefer warm, goal-oriented work may find her style a good fit. She guides people toward clearer communication, steadier mood, and a stronger sense of self as they move through life changes.

How these approaches guide online work

Client-Centered Therapy places the person’s perspective at the center of sessions. The therapist listens closely and follows what the client says matters most, helping them find their own answers and build confidence. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and practicing practical changes that reduce symptoms like low mood or anxiety.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with clients about goals and preferences, and together they will try methods that match those aims. This collaborative process means approaches can shift as needs change and as clients see what helps most.

Confirm the current session options before booking, since formats are not listed here. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule by removing travel time and allowing appointments during breaks or between commitments. Online work also supports regular check-ins and homework between meetings, which helps clients practice new skills in everyday life.