- Client-centered care
- Cognitive behavioral tools
- Mindfulness and hypnotherapy
About Debra
Debra Sarno is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New York with 30 years of experience. She works with people dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, parenting concerns, anger, relationship troubles, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and related issues. She also helps with workplace problems, caregiver strain, blended family challenges, chronic illness, and end-of-life matters.
Debra trained at Columbia University School of Social Work and completed graduate work with the New York Milton H. Erickson Society for Psychotherapy and Hypnosis. She has also been a certified school social worker. Her background includes clinical work in hospitals, clinics, and schools over many years.
Her approach draws on client-centered methods, cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, solution-focused work, and hypnotherapy. Sessions focus on clear goals and practical steps that fit into day-to-day life. She and the client map out a plan and track progress together.
In practice she aims to help people reduce reactivity, manage intense feelings, and improve communication with others. Therapy can include short-term problem solving or longer work on mood, self-esteem, and coping with big life changes. Debra uses tools such as thought work, behavioral experiments, mindfulness exercises, and brief solution-focused strategies.
Her past roles in schools and medical settings inform how she helps when stress, caregiving, or health problems affect daily life. People who want straightforward, technique-based work with a focus on measurable steps may find this approach useful.
How her approaches translate to online work
Debra uses client-centered work and cognitive behavioral therapy to guide sessions. Client-centered work focuses on listening, reflecting, and building goals the client finds meaningful. Cognitive behavioral therapy looks at thoughts and behaviors, uses practical exercises, and helps people test new ways of responding to anger and stress.She also draws on mindfulness practices to teach attention and breathing skills that can reduce reactivity. These practices are short, teachable exercises that a person can use between sessions to manage triggers and strong feelings. The therapist will discuss whether mindfulness or CBT techniques best match the client's goals and situation, and will adjust approaches as progress is reviewed.
Confirm the specific session formats before booking, since the profile does not list them. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a workday, reduce travel time, or allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight. The therapist will work collaboratively to choose techniques and scheduling that fit a client's life and practical needs.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
New York
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she address related to anger?
She works with anger alongside stress, relationship conflict, grief, parenting strain, and mood disorders. These areas are listed among her practice focuses.
What kind of therapeutic style does she use?
Her work combines client-centered methods with cognitive behavioral techniques, mindfulness, solution-focused work, and hypnotherapy. Sessions emphasize practical steps and goal-setting.
How much experience does she have?
She has 30 years of professional experience in clinical settings, schools, and hospitals. That span includes work with a wide range of concerns and service settings.
What are her credentials and base location?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in New York. Her practice is based in New York state.
Which languages are offered and can international clients join?
Sessions are offered in English. International clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session format options before booking, since the profile does not list specific formats. The site matching process will show available choices.
How does cost work for sessions?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing will be shown when you select options through the platform.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session. That process starts the intake and scheduling.