Deborah "Debbie" Kirby

Deborah "Debbie" Kirby is an LCSW licensed in Oregon with 24 years of clinical experience. She helps people work through stress, anxiety, grief, career doubts, and big life changes. Her practice also includes coaching and supporting concerns such as trauma and abuse, eating issues, parenting strain, compassion fatigue, and life purpose. Debbie draws on several well-known approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Attachment-Based work. She focuses on clear, conversational therapy where thoughts and feelings are talked through without judgement. Sessions often include practical tools and steps to try between meetings. Her background includes executive and professional coaching alongside traditional therapy practice. That mix can be useful for people wanting both emotional support and concrete problem-solving for work or life transitions. She is experienced with topics such as adoption and foster care, blended family issues, fertility concerns, first responder stress, and end-of-life matters. Debbie emphasizes collaboration in sessions. She and the client set goals and test what helps in daily life. Expect straightforward feedback, exercises you can practice, and attention to how decisions fit with your values. Sessions are conducted in English and her practice is based in Oregon. People who are exploring life purpose or coping with loss, career uncertainty, or trauma may find her combined coaching and therapy approach helpful. To confirm current session formats and arrangements, check the booking details before scheduling.

How her approaches translate to online work

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts, choose what matters most, and take small steps toward those values. It is often used for anxiety, stress, and questions about life purpose. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing thinking patterns and behaviors that keep problems going. It can be practical for anxiety, low mood, and coping with change. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at relationship patterns that shape how people connect and respond to stress, which can help with grief, trauma, and intimacy concerns.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about goals and preferences, try methods that fit, and adjust as needed. That way the work stays focused on what actually helps day to day rather than on labels.

Confirm the specific session formats offered before booking, since current options are shown during scheduling. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a workday, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Some people prefer video for face-to-face conversation, while others choose audio for a simpler setup. The therapist will discuss what works practically and adapt pacing and tools so therapy fits into everyday life.