Debra "Debbie" Briggs

Collaborative trauma-informed counseling with practical tools

LMHC Washington

Experience: 14 years in practice
Focus areas: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English, Spanish

About Debra

Debra "Debbie" Briggs is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) in Washington who brings 14 years of clinical experience to work with people facing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self-esteem concerns, ADHD, and transitions in life.

Background and approach

She frames therapy as a collaborative journey that honors each person's strengths and lived story, helping clients identify practical steps toward healthier patterns and renewed hope. Debbie emphasizes building functional, resilient lives by addressing family dynamics, attachment and abandonment wounds, communication difficulties, and struggles such as isolation, impulsivity, fertility-related distress, and post-traumatic stress.

Her background includes trauma-focused work and interventions for sexual assault survivors, caregiver stress, and codependency, alongside efforts to bolster motivation and confidence. Using an approach that centers the client while incorporating evidence-informed methods, she draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, mindfulness practices, and solution-focused strategies to tailor care to individual needs.

Bilingual in English and Spanish, she supports clients across a range of concerns and encourages taking the first step toward change with compassion and practical guidance.

Evidence-informed approaches for online healing

Debbie frequently integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR into her online work. CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, offering concrete strategies for anxiety, stress, and mood-related challenges. EMDR uses guided processing to help people process traumatic memories and reduce the intensity of trauma-related symptoms.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and she works collaboratively with clients to choose methods that match their needs, goals, and personal preferences. Together they assess how symptoms respond over time and adjust techniques to support progress in a way that feels manageable and respectful.

Online options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging, offering flexibility for people balancing work, family, or mobility constraints. These formats make it easier to maintain continuity of care and to access therapy from home or elsewhere, while allowing licensed professionals to tailor pacing, homework, and in-session tools to each client's circumstances.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this therapist commonly address?

She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, self esteem issues, coping with life changes, and ADHD, along with related topics like attachment, grief, and relationship difficulties.

What is the general therapeutic style used in sessions?

The approach is client-centered and collaborative, blending practical skill-building with attention to personal strengths and life story to support meaningful change.

How much clinical experience does she have?

Debbie has 14 years of experience working with individuals on trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship conflict, motivation, and related challenges.

What are her formal credentials and where is she based?

She holds the LMHC credential and practices in Washington under WA LMHC LH60500977.

Can sessions be conducted in languages other than English?

Yes, she speaks both English and Spanish, but she is not accepting international clients at this time.

What session formats are available for online work?

Clients may meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on what fits their needs and schedule.

How are fees and payment structured?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What steps are involved in beginning therapy with her?

To start, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to her availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, Anxiety Trauma and abuse Self esteem Coping with life changes ADHD

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFertility issuesImpulsivity Isolation / lonelinessLife purposePost-traumatic stressSexual assault and abuseWomen's issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Mindfulness TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

14+ years

Licensed

Washington

Languages

English, Spanish