Therapist profile
Debra Fitzgerald, LPC-MHSP
Licensed counselor - Family and parenting concerns
Continue with DebraAbout
- Stress and anxiety
- Addiction support
- Gottman informed work
About Debra
Debra Fitzgerald is a Tennessee Licensed Professional Counselor with Mental Health Service Provider designation (LPC-MHSP). She has 22 years of clinical experience helping adults cope with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship strain, and issues around self-esteem and addiction.
She works with people who are managing life changes such as midlife transitions, caregiver stress, and concerns around aging or serious illness. She also supports those dealing with body image struggles, eating-related problems, and process addictions like gambling or problematic sexual behaviors. Her stated focus includes intimacy-related issues and concerns common in LGBT adults.
Her way of working is practical and person-focused. Sessions aim to clarify what matters most, identify unhelpful patterns, and try small changes that make day-to-day life easier. She uses talk and structured techniques rather than abstract theory alone.
Debra draws on client-centered methods to center each person’s experience. She also uses cognitive behavioral techniques to help people notice and change repetitive thinking and behavior patterns. Elements of the Gottman Method inform her approach to relationship-related concerns for individuals looking to improve communication and closeness.
Clients can expect clear goals and straightforward strategies to manage symptoms and improve coping. She asks about each person's context and priorities, and she adjusts the work as needs shift. To begin, the site asks users to complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
How sessions work
How her approaches guide online sessions
Client-Centered Therapy places the person’s own goals and experience at the center of the work. In practice this means sessions start by listening to what matters most and shaping sessions around those priorities. It helps when someone needs a therapist who follows their lead and clarifies personal values and goals.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, focuses on identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviors and testing small changes. CBT is practical for anxiety, panic, low mood, and many day-to-day problems because it gives concrete tools to try between sessions.
The Gottman Method provides specific skills around communication and emotional connection. When relationship issues are a concern, elements from Gottman work are used to practice clearer speaking and better listening in individual sessions.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. The therapist will collaborate with the client to decide which methods fit the goals and preferences. That choice can change over time as needs shift.
Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy life - for example a shorter check-in during a lunch break or avoiding travel time. It also lets people use techniques and worksheets in the moment and follow up between appointments with agreed next steps.
Areas of focus
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
22+ years
Listed in
Tennessee
Languages
English
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she address?
She works with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, self-esteem, addictions, body image and related concerns listed in her profile.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is client-centered and practical, using talk plus structured techniques to change unhelpful patterns and improve day-to-day coping.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has 22 years of experience as a practicing counselor in Tennessee.
What credential does she hold and where is she located?
She holds the TN LPC-MHSP credential and practices in Tennessee.
Does she work in any languages besides English?
Sessions are offered in English only.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
She is not accepting international clients at this time.
How are sessions arranged and what do they cost?
Cost varies by location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Exact pricing is shown when selecting an option on the site.
How do I begin if I want to try a session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session through the site.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If anyone is in danger, use the crisis numbers.