Debra Simmons

Hi there, I'm Debra!

I help people who struggle with depression, anxiety, anger, traumatic experiences, relationship difficulties, and other conditions that keep life from feeling fulfilling. My goal is to support you in creating the changes you want to see.

My focus

I work with individuals from age 12 through older adults, as well as couples and families. I particularly enjoy working with older adults navigating this stage of life and helping people cope with grief after significant loss.

My approach

I encourage you to set your own goals rather than deciding them for you. I use motivational interviewing, compassion-focused therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral approaches to help you work toward what matters most to you.

My communication style

I create an environment of comfort, calm, safety, respect, and trust as we explore personal issues together. I am open and accepting of various cultures, sexual identities, races, and lifestyles. My clients tell me I meet them where they are.

My journey to mental healthcare

I worked in hospice, inpatient mental health, hospital social work, case management, and facility-based care. These settings were often task-oriented, and I wanted to focus more deeply on individual mental health needs. I decided to follow my passion and make therapy my entire practice.

My goals for you

I encourage you to define your problems and decide the goals you want to achieve. Then I assist you in problem-solving, making necessary changes, and learning to cope effectively with issues beyond your control.

Our first session

Our first session includes introductions, discussing mutual responsibilities and expectations, exploring why you're seeking therapy, and gathering relevant history. We'll then start a treatment plan together to set goals and objectives for a positive outcome.

I identify as...

Female
Caucasian or White
Unitarian Universalism

Expertise

Treatment approaches

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Mindfulness-Based

Complicated Grief Therapy (CGT)

Humanistic

Reality Therapy

+ 5 more

Focus populations

Immune-Disorders

+ 1 more

Therapy types

Individual Therapy
Couples Therapy

Ages served

Adults
Minors
Preteens

Practice

Accepted insurance providers

Allied
Aetna
Aetna - Medicare Advantage
All Savers
Allegiance

+ 46 more

Languages spoken

English

Education

Master of Social Work (MSW) from University of Michigan Medical School.

Sessions

60 minutes

Virtual sessions