Debbie Svobodny, LCSW
Biography
Debbie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Concordia in 2011. She also graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2017 with a Masters degree in Social Work. Debbie is currently a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of North Dakota, and a Licensed Graduate Social Worker in the state of Minnesota.
Debbie enjoys working with all people ages 7+. For the last 10 years, she has worked alongside children, adolescents, adults and their families through various life experiences. She has historically worked in an outpatient clinical setting, emergency room, and pediatric specialty clinic and with the homeless population giving her a broad specialty of care. Her areas of expertise are trauma and chronic medical conditions. She uses techniques that involve Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Person Centered, and modified Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.
A message from Debbie:
I am glad you are contemplating therapy. Nonetheless, the thought of therapy can be overwhelming. What will others think of me? What if I tell them all of those deep and dark thoughts? Where will I end up? How will this work out for me? It didn’t help last time I tried? Will I be fixed? So many of those thoughts are normal. Considering your next step is important. I am excited you’re here and taking this step so seriously. I believe this is the most important step; finding the right fit therapist is vital. I hope to create a safe environment where you can share opening about your challenges and victories. All while assisting you in writing beautiful new chapters in your story. You are important and valued!
Education:
Bachelor’s Degree of Social Work, Concordia University, Moorhead, MN
Master’s Degree of Social Work, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
Associations/Memberships:
National Association of Social Workers
North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners
Provider Email: Debbie@birchwoodcounseling.com
Other Team Members
Pamela Thompson, LICSW
She loves reading, landscaping, family time and taking classes to improve her ability to help her clients.
Ashley Thompson, M.Ed., LPCC – SUP
Ashley believes we all have a story but that does not have to define who we become.
Kallie Marsh, M.Ed., LPCC
Kallie believes in using an empathetic and holistic approach that empowers individuals and families to find solutions to their problems and reach their self-determined goals.
Allie Skjonsberg, LICSW
I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy as life throws a lot at every single person and it’s nice to have a neutral person to talk to and process life with.
Marissa Perry, M.Ed., LPC
I am passionate about connection and client empowerment. I use individualized tools, techniques, and an integrative therapy approach to meet your individual needs and to help you find self-worth and balance within your daily life.
Sheyenne Hokit, LPC
I have a passion for helping my clients become the best they can be and empower them to go above that.
Jamie Newberger, M.Ed., LPC (MN), LAPC (ND)
I am passionate about working with individuals who are healing from painful situations in life, and who feel stuck in old patterns that just aren’t working anymore. Whether you are having difficulty communicating your needs or emotions, facing hard choices, or lacking direction, change is possible. You don’t have to continue feeling stuck or overwhelmed, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Stephanie Schafer, M.Ed., LPCC-SUP, NCC
I take an inviting approach to counseling, and collaborate with my clients in their healing. I believe people to be resilient, and know that we all get “stuck” sometimes. I work with my clients to identify their strengths and resources to get “unstuck” and move toward thriving in their lives.
Debbie Svobodny, LCSW
The thought of therapy can be overwhelming, and I am excited you’re here and taking this step so seriously. I believe this is the most important step; finding the right fit therapist is vital. I hope to create a safe environment where you can share opening about your challenges and victories. All while assisting you in writing beautiful new chapters in your story. You are important and valued!
Heidi Leckner, LPCC
In my counseling work I utilize a humanistic approach, which is the belief that each human is not only unique, but also has the innate ability to overcome life’s hardships and pursue growth. When you are in counseling with me, I will hear you. Most importantly, I will provide you with support and validation while I assist you with your journey of self-improvement and healing.
Cheyanne Hart, LMSW
I strive to empower youth in finding their strengths and utilizing them with the help of their caregivers. I also enjoy working with families and individuals to improve overall functioning through a strengths based, client centered practice.
Nicky Besette, LGSW
I know therapy can be scary or intimidating but I will be here to help you in finding a healthier, happier you! Building a healthy and trusting relationship with my clients is important to me. I look forward to meeting you and I am excited you are here!
Austen McFarren, MS, LPCC
Austen’s clients describe him as gentle, patient, genuine, non-judgmental, warm, flexible, sarcastic, and witty. Austen’s clinical foundation is in humanistic approaches, while also utilizing tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Narrative Therapy.
Reid Segal, M.S., LAPC, NCC
Reid decided she wanted to be a counselor at 12 years old when she met with her own counselor for the first time. She has seen the benefits of therapy from both sides of the couch and is passionate about offering a welcoming and unintimidating therapy environment where she collaborates with her clients as an equal.
Deb DeMinck, Ed.D, LPCC, NCC
Deb believes that challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.
Denise Hellekson, LPCC, LISW
Denise believes one of the greatest investments we can make in life is the investment in ourselves, and one of the wisest choices we can make is reaching out for assistance when we need support along the way.
DeNae Haagenson, M.Ed., LPCC
A Minnesota native, DeNae has raised her family here and is active in her community.
Amanda Weston, LPC (MN), LAPC (ND), NCC
Counseling provides a safe space for hope to grow. I believe that every person is the author of their own story and healing can happen as we navigate the writing and rewriting of our story. It is a privilege for me to support you along your journey.
Amy McIntosh, M.S., M.Ed., LPC (MN), LAPC (ND)
Amy uses a client-centered approach to meet you where you are at; she is always striving to tailor her approach to what each individual needs.