Debra Sarno

Debra Sarno is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) based in New York. She brings three decades of experience to sessions and focuses on practical help for problems like stress, anxiety, grief, parenting strain, self-esteem, and anger.

Her background includes clinical training at Columbia University School of Social Work and completion of programs at the New York Milton H. Erickson Society for Psychotherapy and Hypnosis. She has also worked in clinics, hospitals, and schools and has experience as a school social worker. These roles shaped her approach to everyday problems and long-term challenges.

Debra draws from several approaches to shape a plan with each person. She uses Client-Centered methods to listen and prioritize the person's goals. She also applies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help identify unhelpful thoughts and develop manageable behavior changes. Mindfulness and Solution-Focused techniques are used to build coping skills and focus on concrete steps forward.

In sessions she aims for a supportive, calm setting where people can talk through their concerns and set realistic goals. Treatment plans are practical and tailored to what the person wants to change. Debra emphasizes small, steady steps that fit into daily life.

Her work covers mood and personality concerns, relationship and family issues, caregiving and workplace stress, chronic illness, and life transitions. People considering therapy complete a short intake and then plan next steps based on their priorities and schedule.

How her approaches translate to online work

Debra uses Client-Centered Therapy to place the person’s goals at the center of the process and to build a trusting working relationship through attentive listening. This approach helps when someone needs support to sort priorities, make decisions, or cope with change.

She also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to identify thought patterns that feed anxiety or anger and to practice new behaviors. CBT is helpful for mood concerns, stress, and managing reactions in daily life. Mindfulness Therapy is used alongside these methods to teach simple skills for calming the body and regaining focus during stressful moments.

Finding the right mix of approaches is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss goals and preferences, try methods that fit the person, and adjust the plan as work progresses. This helps people figure out what actually helps them in day-to-day situations.

Session format details are not specified in the provided biography, so confirm current session options before booking. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. These practical benefits often help people keep consistent work on goals and apply new skills between meetings.