Therapy with Deborah

People often ask me how therapy works.

There is no absolute answer, but I believe there is tremendous power in the act of speaking our truths aloud.

"What?! You mean those truths that fill me with sadness, shame, fear, guilt, self-disgust… all the things I work so hard to push down and ignore? That’s what you want me to speak out loud?"

I know. OUCH. Yet there is something about the listening presence of a non-judgmental and compassionate human being that takes some of the sting out of the pain.

It’s like turning on the light and seeing that the monster lurking over your bed is just that sweater you tossed on a chair.

Untangling the Chains… Together

So we talk. Together, we sit with the light on and explore what emerges.

As a part of our exploration, I think it’s just as important to ask, "What IS working in your life?" as it is to ask, "What's NOT working?" We will ask both.

Therapy can be like untangling a chain. At first, the knots are tight and unyielding. But if you are gentle, provide a steady surface, and attend to the links with full attention, the chain can slowly loosen and then untangling becomes possible.

I love to untangle chains.

And by the way… don't think therapy can’t be fun!

There have been times during sessions when I have laughed ‘til I cried.

Human behavior is the original source of comedy. We ALL slip on that metaphorical banana peel from time to time. We can laugh or we can cry. Certainly, there is a time for both.

Sure, therapy is a serious business, but what a great combo: taking life seriously while learning not to take yourself too seriously.

YOU are the expert on YOU.

I will never presume to know more about you than you know about yourself.

And this surprises some people, but it is not my job to provide "solutions" to "problems."

Sometimes the best answer is a better question.

I believe we all have within us the capacity to heal ourselves. All of us. I use my training, experience, and expertise to help guide you to the right questions.

Good therapy is learning how to fish for yourself… rather than becoming dependent on a weekly meal from someone else.

I’ll tell you a little about myself, because no one likes a blind date…

Everything seems to have led me to this work.

I love being a therapist. I came to it later in life; when I look back, it seems everything I did in my "past lives" was leading to this.

My background is eclectic: professional theatre, writing, art, and teaching yoga as well as practicing psychotherapy. My life experiences deeply enrich what I offer as a therapist.

Throughout all my plunges into past-life interests and passions ran a common thread: an interest in helping others explore and express their inner natures and choices.

Training and Professional Experience

I received my bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Cornell University, received my theatre training at the American Repertory Theatre at Harvard, and got my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from The College at Brockport.

My first counseling job was at a community mental health clinic. I loved the experience, and I wouldn’t change it for the world  – but being in private practice is a dream come true.

The "Psyche" Part of Psychology

My interest in soul (the "psyche" part of psychology) is a guiding force for me.

This led me to the study of Dream Work. If a client wishes to include this rich mode of exploration in treatment, I incorporate my "dream tending" skills into session.

I do not "interpret" dreams, but I have had several brilliant dream mentors who have taught me ways to help people unpack and explore dream images on many levels of meaning.

Everyone Is Creative

Creativity is a large part of my work. I love to work with artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs. Creative blocks are opportunities in disguise; and I believe that, fortunately, everyone is creative!

Imagination applies to therapy as well. Imagination is at the heart of creativity, and what could be more creative than crafting the life you want and deserve?

Let me help you find the path to a more fulfilling life.

Call me today at (585) 591-6940 or email me at dlewincounseling@gmail.com . I look forward to hearing from you!