Deborah Lee , LISW

Deborah Lee is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) and a Dual Diagnosis Counselor with extensive experience treating mental health concerns alongside substance use issues. Based in Ohio, she brings 31 years of professional practice to her work and also engages with clients internationally. Her licensure in addiction and substance abuse is temporarily on hold at her request, while she continues to apply her social work training and clinical skills in other areas of practice.

She is trained in a wide range of evidence-informed methods, including cognitive behavioral approaches (CBT), solution-focused techniques, trauma-informed care, reality therapy, existential approaches, and motivational interviewing. Deborah often integrates a didactic element into sessions to teach practical skills such as communication, conflict resolution, stress and anxiety reduction, self-esteem building, and tools for healthier relationships.

Deborah emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as the foundation of effective work. She strives to create a respectful, nonjudgmental space where people feel heard, valued, and supported. Working collaboratively, she frames therapy as a team effort aimed at self-discovery, healing, and sustained growth. She recognizes reaching out for help as a significant step and welcomes the opportunity to support individuals through life transitions, mood and anxiety concerns, trauma, relationship challenges, addictive behaviors, and a broad range of related issues.

Therapeutic Approaches Adapted for Online Work

Deborah Lee draws from client-centered work and cognitive behavioral therapy to guide online sessions. Client-centered therapy focuses on empathy, acceptance, and collaboration, helping people explore their values and build self-understanding in a supportive environment. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) emphasizes identifying unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns and practicing concrete skills to reduce anxiety, manage mood, and improve daily functioning. Deborah also integrates elements of emotionally-focused therapy, which helps people clarify and shift emotional responses to improve connection and intimacy in relationships.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Deborah works collaboratively with each person to identify what feels most helpful based on their needs, goals, and preferences, and she adapts methods as the work unfolds to better support progress.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging - so sessions can fit into varied schedules and life circumstances. These options allow licensed professionals like Deborah to provide consistent, accessible care while tailoring the format to what works best for each individual and relationship.