Deborah Lee , LISW

Deborah Lee is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and a Dual Diagnosis Counselor with an independent license to treat mental health and substance use concerns. She brings 31 years of clinical experience to her work and has combined long-term face-to-face practice with training in multiple therapeutic methods. Her background includes cognitive behavioral approaches, solution-focused work, trauma-informed care, reality therapy, existential perspectives, and motivational interviewing. She also integrates a didactic, teaching-oriented element to help people build practical skills such as communication, conflict resolution, stress and anxiety reduction, self-esteem assessment, and tools for healthier relationships.

Deborah emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as central to progress. She strives to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where people feel heard and supported and where open, honest dialogue is encouraged. She approaches therapy as a collaborative team effort, aiming to guide each person through self-discovery, healing, and growth. Her practice reflects a blend of clinical techniques and practical coaching to help individuals address emotional challenges and develop healthier patterns over time.

Her licensure in addiction and substance abuse treatment is temporarily on hold at her request, and she continues to apply her broad clinical training to a range of mental health concerns.

Approaches that Translate to Online Care

Deborah Lee draws on client-centered therapy to ground online work in empathy and collaboration. This approach focuses on listening, validating experience, and helping people identify their own goals so they feel supported in making meaningful changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, offers practical tools to recognize and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and is often useful for anxiety, stress, mood concerns, and coping with life changes. Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) addresses patterns in close relationships by helping people understand and express emotions more clearly, which can improve intimacy and connection.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Deborah works collaboratively to assess each person’s needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts methods to fit what will be most helpful for the individual. That collaborative stance helps shape a plan that feels doable and relevant.

Online sessions by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging provide flexibility for scheduling, reduce travel time, and can make it easier to access support from different locations. Licensed professionals can use these formats to deliver therapy focused on skill building, emotional processing, and relationship work while fitting care into the rhythms of everyday life.