Deborah Malloy

Deborah (Debbie) Malloy, LPCC, I am a clinical mental health counselor as well as a Recreation Therapist, with years of experience working in multiple settings to assist individuals to improve their mental health and realize their goals. I utilize the person-centered approach of being non-judgmental and empathetic and respectful. I also use an eclectic approach with a partial list to include EMDR, CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed treatment, some aspects of Impact Theory, Gestalt theory, Feminist theory, and Multicultural Theory help my clients to learn to manage challenging issues.

My approach

My orientation is client recovery, utilizing psychotherapeutic interventions and education and clients' own strengths, spirituality, and resilience to assist them to meet their goals. They can become more empowered to improve their mental health, quality of life, and gain mastery over challenging emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Validating client's needs and goals is essential. Maintaining a strong therapeutic alliance with clients is critical to my practice. EMDR has been a critical protocol I use to assist those who face challenges due to trauma memories. CBT and DBT help my clients to learn to manage challenging cognitive distortions, automatic negative thoughts, and to regulate their emotions and constructively deal with distress and communication issues. I encourage mindfulness approaches, coping strategies and self-soothing tools to enhance their quality of life and empower them to stay healthy. I utilize Motivational Interviewing and multiple other approaches to assist those in recovery to embrace a clean and sober lifestyle. I incorporate the importance of leisure pursuits for all individuals.

My focus

I enjoy working with individual adults of any age. Previously I have worked with a myriad of populations include military veterans, and adults who have experienced PTSD from both childhood and later in life traumas. I have experience with those who have depression and mood disorders, anxiety, life stressors, those who wish to become more assertive, those who would like to learn better strategies to control their anger, those who want to succeed in recovery from substance addictions, and those who want to improve their self-compassion/self-esteem.

My communication style

I believe I am assertive and exhibit empathy, compassion, unconditional positive regard, and a non-judgmental stance for each client I encounter. I respect a client's worldviews or diverse identities. I want to create an environment where clients feel safe, comfortable, and can trust the experience of therapy with me.

My journey to mental healthcare

Both my parents and one set of grandparents were in helping professions and I admired their work and the manner they cared for others. Witnessing individuals who meet their goals and substantially improve their quality of life is incredibly rewarding for me. When I can be a part of that journey with them, I feel very honored.

My goals for you

It is critical to understand the specific reasons the client is seeking therapy at this time. I have them take a look at what the main focus of therapy can be for them and discuss multiple options we can utilize together to help them achieve those goals. I work with them to assist them to gain insights into possible underlying issues that might be at play and be causing challenges also.

My first session with you

While it is imperative to gather information to inform treatment planning and goal setting, it is also important to start to develop a therapeutic alliance. I disclose some basic information about myself and work hard to really hear the clients and to validate what their experiences are. I want to instill hope that together we can work to help them accomplish their goals.