- Addictions support
- Anger management
- Family communication
About Debra
Debra (Debbie) Whatley is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) practicing in Louisiana with 25 years of experience. She works with adults facing addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, anger, and low self-esteem. Debra emphasizes practical steps and steady support rather than quick fixes. She asks questions, listens for patterns, and helps clients notice what gets in the way of change.
Debra believes people know their own story and brings that perspective into sessions. She helps people identify strengths they already have and small changes that build on them. Conversations focus on realistic goals like reducing anger outbursts, managing cravings, or finding ways to grieve without being overwhelmed.
Her approach is straightforward and skills-based. Sessions often include talking through recent situations, learning specific coping strategies, and practicing new responses. Debra checks progress and adjusts plans as needed so work stays relevant to everyday life.
She has long experience working with issues tied to family dynamics, such as blended family stress, abandonment, fatherhood concerns, and problems with communication and control. She also helps people dealing with divorce, infidelity, guilt, shame, and forgiveness.
Clients can expect a focus on clear, achievable steps. Debra offers guidance on managing substance use and related behaviors. Her years of practice give her a broad perspective on how these concerns intersect and influence daily functioning.
How therapeutic methods are used in online sessions
Debra works with evidence-based therapeutic techniques that translate into clear, practical steps. One common approach focuses on learning specific coping skills to manage strong emotions such as anger and anxiety; these skills are practiced in session and then used in real-life moments to reduce reactivity. Another frequently used method involves structured talk and problem-solving to address addictive behaviors and triggers, helping people identify patterns and try different responses.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Debra collaborates with each person to match techniques to their goals and preferences. She reviews what helps, adjusts methods if something isn’t working, and includes measurable steps so progress is easy to see.
Confirm current session options before booking. When online sessions are available, they can make it simpler to fit therapy into a routine, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. Be ready to discuss which session format will best support your goals during the initial matching questionnaire and first session.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
25+ years
Listed in
Louisiana
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, anger, and self-esteem concerns, plus related issues such as divorce, infidelity, caregiver stress, and communication problems.
What is her general approach in sessions?
She uses practical, evidence-based techniques that emphasize skills and observable change. Sessions typically combine discussion of recent events with concrete coping strategies.
How long has she practiced?
She has 25 years of professional experience working with adults on a range of behavioral and relational concerns.
What are her credentials and where does she practice?
She is an LMFT licensed in Louisiana and practices there.
Which languages are sessions offered in?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How does payment and cost work?
Cost varies by location and services. Sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Use the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session when prompted.