Debra Thurman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of experience practicing in Montana. She prefers to work with adults and focuses on helping people who are struggling with stress, anxiety, low self esteem, anger, and depression. Debra emphasizes respect, sensitivity, and compassion in her work.
Clients can expect a practical, down-to-earth approach. Debra tailors conversations and plans to each person’s situation. She helps people talk through current problems, build coping skills, and try small changes that fit daily life.
Her background includes long experience across many concerns, including trauma and abuse, grief and loss, sleep problems, caregiving stress, chronic illness and pain, and issues around family of origin. She also supports people dealing with life transitions such as divorce, career shifts, and aging-related challenges.
Debra uses several common therapy approaches to guide sessions, drawing on acceptance and commitment ideas, cognitive behavioral techniques, and client-centered methods. She also brings skills from dialectical behavior therapy and emotionally focused approaches when they suit a person’s goals.
People who reach out will find a steady, practical partner who helps them set achievable goals. The focus is on clear steps and real-world changes rather than abstract theory. Debra’s style aims to empower clients and build confidence over time.
Approaches that translate to online sessions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps people notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then commit to actions that match their values. It’s useful for anxiety, low self esteem, and making life changes. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and teaches practical skills to reduce anxiety and depression and improve sleep and motivation. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a nonjudgmental, collaborative conversation where the therapist listens closely and follows the person’s lead to build confidence and insight.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will talk with each person about goals and preferences and then try methods that seem to fit. That collaborative process helps shape what happens in sessions over time.
Confirm current session formats before booking, since specific online options are not listed in the profile. Online therapy can make it easier to schedule sessions around work, caregiving, or health needs, and it can reduce travel time. It can also allow for shorter check-ins or audio-only meetings when that better fits a day. Ask about the available formats when you complete the matching questionnaire so sessions can be planned to fit everyday life.
LGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersParenting issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorder
Additional focus areas
Aging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesControl issuesDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressSeasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issues
She works with stress, anxiety, anger, low self esteem, depression, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, sleep problems, caregiving stress, chronic illness and pain, and related issues listed in her profile.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is practical and respectful. Sessions focus on clear conversation, skill building, and steps people can try between meetings.
How much experience does she have?
She has 25 years of professional experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Montana.
Where is she licensed and based?
She is licensed in Montana and practices there as an LCSW.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions scheduled and what does therapy cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the continue button on this profile, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to therapist availability.
