Debbie (Deborah) Whitney

Hello! Are you looking for a confidence booster, a sounding board, someone to listen to your story? Are you dealing with coping issues, anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem? Struggling in a relationship with others or yourself? The possibility for relief is there waiting to be discovered. I'm a native Californian and have lived on the Central Coast for the last 27 years. I've gained a wide range of experiences and exposure to diverse cultures from extensive travel and living abroad. I received a BFA in Art Education from Texas Tech and an MA in Counseling Phycology with an emphasis in depth psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Prior to becoming a therapist, I taught and worked with children and their families over the last 30 years. Currently, as well during my training as a therapist, I also work at the Community Counseling Center, a non-profit counseling agency. My life journey has brought me to the therapeutic arena, offering support to other’s as they navigate their own journey in life. I have experience and training dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, motherhood/postpartum, anger, substance use, trauma and improving relationships with both children and adults. Research claims that much of our pain and suffering comes from our past experiences which may influence the way we think about things and ourselves. Therapy can be a place to work through and shift these thoughts and help discover our true Self in the world. I offer a safe non-judgmental space to work through what may be hidden in your unconscious, possibly holding you back from truly living and being YOU. I provide a safe space to explore and develop coping skills and identify strengths to and handle the challenges that present themselves in daily life. I believe that our strongest resources for survival and living life are hidden within us, waiting to be revealed. Collaboratively and at YOUR pace, I use an eclectic, positive, person-centered approach to therapy – Looking at what is possible? Taking a step to be vulnerable and “look under the hood” is a first step! I also utilize family systems, attachment, multicultural, depth psychology, cognitive behavioral, gestalt, and existential approaches determined by what best suits you as the client. Together we can explore, identify and gain control of your needs, goals and dreams, allowing for control of life, feeling centered, and experiencing possible relief. Besides talk therapy, I may use tools like art, sand tray, play and dreams, which allows the depths of our unconscious to surface and lead us in a transformative process. Carl Jung believed that “images carry their own consciousness; they become our guides on the path to transformation.” “Curiosity is the gateway to empathy”- Thich Nhat Hahn. Let’s be curious together! Let’s embrace the possibility of change, create a new relationship towards self-awareness and personal growth together! I appreciate your courage and strength in seeking out help for you or your inner child, considering the possibility of hope and change. It would be my honor to be part of your journey.