Deborah Petry , LCSW

Deborah Petry is an individual and couples counselor who brings fifteen years of clinical experience to her work. She practices from a person-centered stance, meeting each client where they are and moving at a pace that feels right for them. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), she focuses on helping people clarify their goals and develop practical strategies to reach them, recognizing that growth and change can be challenging but achievable with supportive guidance.

In individual work she emphasizes that everyone follows a unique life path and that progress unfolds differently for each person. She works collaboratively to identify changes that can lead to greater personal satisfaction and emotional well-being. For couples, she has completed levels 1, 2, and 3 of the Gottman Method and additional training in Treating Affairs and Trauma as well as Couples and Addiction Recovery. She values the Gottman Method for its clear roadmaps and concrete exercises, and she finds many couples respond well to those structured tools.

Deborah aims to create a collaborative therapeutic relationship that helps clients discover effective tools and skills for lasting change. She approaches both individual and couples work with practical guidance and empathy, supporting clients as they pursue meaningful progress.

Approaches for Online Individual and Couples Work

Deborah uses a blend of proven approaches to tailor online therapy to each person's needs. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy and collaboration, creating a supportive space where clients are heard and helped to explore their values and goals - it is well suited for those seeking personal growth and clarity. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying patterns in thoughts and behaviors and learning new coping skills; it can be useful for mood concerns, anxiety, and situations where concrete strategies are helpful. The Gottman Method provides structured tools and exercises specifically for couples, offering practical roadmaps to improve communication, address conflict, and rebuild connection after trust challenges.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Deborah works collaboratively with each person or couple to determine which methods fit their goals and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress is made. This collaborative stance helps ensure treatment aligns with what matters most to the client.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, over the phone, via live chat, or through text-based messaging - making it easier to fit care into busy lives. These options allow clients to access licensed professionals from their own settings and maintain continuity of care despite scheduling or geographic constraints.