Debbie Lugtu, LMFT — Therapist in California

Hi there, I'm Debbie!

I work from a strength-based and narrative therapy approach. In our first sessions, I focus on building rapport and listening to your story. I use an attachment-based lens to explore underlying issues and where they stem from, then help you re-author your narrative. I also teach coping skills like mindfulness and CBT.

My focus

I work with teens and adults struggling with depression, self-esteem issues, anxiety, and trauma.

My approach

I believe every person has a story to share and the power to re-author it. I ask questions to help you deep dive, explore underlying themes, and gain insight. In our sessions, you'll also learn mindfulness, CBT, and DBT skills to manage emotions and stress.

My communication style

I'm strength-based and use encouraging language while following your lead. I'm also introspective and work collaboratively with you.

My journey to mental healthcare

I enjoy collaboratively exploring with people to help them better understand themselves and be compassionate toward themselves. Coming from an environment that didn't understand mental health, I found it important to advocate for taking care of our mental health.

My goals for you

I collaboratively work with you and follow your lead to develop treatment goals that you want to work on in therapy.

Our first session

I focus on building rapport and listening to your story. I use psychoeducation to help you understand depression, anxiety, trauma, or emotions. I also teach you coping skills so you have the tools necessary to help with day-to-day challenges.

I identify as...

Female
Asian
Christian

Expertise

Specialties

+ 8 more

Treatment approaches

Attachment-based

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Behavioral Activation

Dialectical (DBT)

Humanistic

Mindfulness-Based

+ 6 more

Focus populations

BIPOC

+ 1 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy

Ages served

Adults

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Aetna
All Savers
Allegiance
Allied
Anthem

+ 56 more

Languages spoken

English, Filipino

Education

Master's in Counseling (MC) in MFT from Palo Alto University.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions

Debbie Lugtu