Deb is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of North Dakota and Minnesota. She earned her master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling (K-12) from MN State University Moorhead and her doctorate from St Cloud State University.
Deb has historically worked with diverse populations in numerous settings: private practice, trauma centers, addiction programs, EAP’s, and public schools. She has also worked with college students as a therapist and professor promoting skills development in critical thinking, emotional intelligence, assertiveness, stress management, and career exploration. In addition, Deb has supervised interns and taught courses in the master’s degree program at MSUM in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Counseling Approach and Clinical Focus:
Deb specializes in individual therapy with clients ranging from preschool age through adults, as well as couples counseling and family therapy. She blends a variety of interventions and theories to adapt to the specific need of each client. She uses Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to teach skills in distress tolerance, interpersonal relationships, mindfulness, and emotion regulation. She also incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help patients become aware of unhelpful thought patterns and to create new cognitions and behaviors. Deb has advanced training and experience in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Solution-Focused, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and Reality Therapy/Choice Theory.
A message from Deb:
I believe that with the right support, guidance and understanding, individuals can increase their skills and make choices to improve their lives and the lives of those who matter to them. My ultimate goal is to help you determine what you want your life to look like and then take the steps to get there. We all deserve to live the life that matters to us!
Education:
Doctorate (Ed. D.) in Higher Education, St. Cloud State University, St. Cloud, MN
Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Minnesota State University-Moorhead, Moorhead, MN
Bachelor’s degree in Education and Psychology, University of Minnesota, Morris, MN
Associations/Memberships:
American Counseling Association
National Board of Certified Counselors
North Dakota Board of Counselor Examiners
Minnesota Board of Behavioral Therapy
Provider e-mail: Debra@birchwoodcounseling.com