Debbie Muskwe

About Debbie

My approach

My goal as your therapist is to help you put words to how you feel so you can develop the positive coping skills to tackle life's challenges, improve your confidence and find your voice. I specialize in depression and anxiety and work with teens, young adults, and seniors.

About me

When we face life's challenges head on, are honest with ourselves and put a plan into action, we can make what seems impossible, possible. Take that next step, schedule an appointment, I would be honored to help you in your journey.

More background

What would be important for someone to know about working with you?

I am empathic and reflective. I am also truthful and set boundaries. I want you to meet your therapy goals, which sometimes means hearing a reflection that may cause you to process your feelings or behavior differently. Past clients have acknowledged that I am honest and will gently confront a behaviors, thoughts or emotions that are not helpful. Through building a strong therapeutic relationship with you I hope to partner with you in resolving why you started therapy.

What do you view as a key component of the therapeutic relationship?

A client's success in therapy is influenced heavily by the therapeutic relationship. Starting therapy is a brave step, because it requires vulnerability with a complete stranger. I am of the mindset that if you have chosen me to be your therapist there is an expectation of validating your needs through partnering with you and learning who you are. Building a relationship starts with me listening to your perspective about your issues so that as our sessions build I can pull what's been said to identify themes or recurrent areas of concern to reflect on.

Work history

I've worked in a variety of settings as a social worker--ranging from school social work, hospice, adolescents in the justice system, working with active duty military, Veterans and the senior population. Across each of these populations or settings, I've observed that we all experience life struggles. Issues with entering new phases of life and how to approach relational dynamics, difficulties with work and school, or just the realization that as this world changes we have to adapt new coping skills. Through hearing clients' stories has led me to focus on the symptoms of anxiety and depression, because they impact how daily life is lived and how our futures can be impacted if we don't know how to manage our thoughts, moods and behavior.

Specialties

Types of therapy

Who Debbie works with

Ages

Teens (14-19), Adults, Elders (65+)

Communities

Black / African American, Christian, Single Parents

Languages

English

Education and training

Attended University of South Florida, Master of Social Work , Graduated 2011

Certifications

Prolonged Exposure

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Insomnia