- Warm and collaborative
- Body-aware approaches
- Focus on relationships
About Deborah
Deborah Gleason is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who helps people facing anxiety, trauma, relationship strain, and life transitions. She works with identity-related concerns, grief, stress, and issues like ADHD and addiction. Her tone is warm and nonjudgmental, and she aims to meet clients where they are.
Deborah emphasizes listening to both thoughts and bodily experience. She asks people to slow down and notice physical sensations as part of understanding their reactions. Sessions may mix conversation with mindfulness, grounding, movement, and practical skills for day-to-day challenges.
Her practice is collaborative - she helps people identify unhelpful patterns and gently test new ways of responding. That can mean trying exercises for nervous system regulation or practicing clearer communication in relationships. The work balances insight with usable steps to feel better in daily life.
Deborah has roughly nine years of clinical experience and has supported adolescents in group home settings as well as adults. She brings attention to both emotional and spiritual dimensions of healing when clients wish to include that work.
People who choose her often want a therapist who listens closely, normalizes struggle, and encourages small, steady changes. To begin, she invites curiosity and honesty rather than a need to have everything figured out.
Deborah emphasizes listening to both thoughts and bodily experience. She asks people to slow down and notice physical sensations as part of understanding their reactions. Sessions may mix conversation with mindfulness, grounding, movement, and practical skills for day-to-day challenges.
Her practice is collaborative - she helps people identify unhelpful patterns and gently test new ways of responding. That can mean trying exercises for nervous system regulation or practicing clearer communication in relationships. The work balances insight with usable steps to feel better in daily life.
Deborah has roughly nine years of clinical experience and has supported adolescents in group home settings as well as adults. She brings attention to both emotional and spiritual dimensions of healing when clients wish to include that work.
People who choose her often want a therapist who listens closely, normalizes struggle, and encourages small, steady changes. To begin, she invites curiosity and honesty rather than a need to have everything figured out.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
AddictionsFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional focus areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBody imageCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommunication problemsDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHIV / AIDSHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImpulsivityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaSomatizationWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Jungian TherapyMindfulness TherapyNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapySomatic TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy
Experience
9+ years
Credentials
Alabama, Illinois
Languages
English
How Deborah’s Approaches Translate to Online Work
Deborah uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Client-Centered Therapy to help people notice what matters and build actions that match their values. ACT focuses on accepting difficult feelings while taking steps toward a chosen life, which can help with anxiety, depression, and coping with health challenges. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a supportive, nonjudgmental relationship where the person’s experience guides the pace and direction of sessions.She also draws on Mindfulness Therapy to strengthen present-moment awareness. Mindfulness practices in sessions teach simple exercises for grounding and regulating emotions, which can reduce reactivity and improve daily functioning. These approaches can be combined based on what a person finds most helpful.
Finding the right method is part of the work together. The therapist collaborates with each person to test approaches, notice what helps, and adapt tools to real life. Clients are invited to set goals and give feedback so the plan evolves with their needs and preferences.
The biography does not specify session formats, so confirm which online options are available before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and remove travel time. Discussing practical concerns up front helps tailor sessions to work with daily routines and energy levels.
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Deborah commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, relationship issues, identity-related concerns including LGBT matters, grief, addiction, and other life changes.
What is her general therapeutic style?
Her approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental. Sessions blend conversation, mindfulness, grounding, and somatic awareness as needed.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She brings nine years of professional experience supporting people in clinical and residential settings, including work with adolescents in group homes.
What credentials and region are listed for this therapist?
She holds LICSW and LCSW credentials and is listed as practicing in Alabama with licensing noted for Alabama and Illinois.
Which languages and international options are available?
Sessions are offered in English and she accepts international clients.
What session formats are offered?
The original biography does not specify session formats, so please confirm current session options with the platform before booking.
How does pricing work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Choose the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.