About Me

My passion is helping others have rich meaningful lives, in which they express their truest authenticity and passions. Through my writing, teaching and therapy I aim to help you fall in love with yourself, one another and the world! You’ll often find me listening to a podcast or reading a memoir on my bed. I am learning what I share - how to heal from past trauma, how to be in partnership, family, friendship and community and how to share our (sometimes shaky) voices. For fun, I love to thrift shop, play dress up and hear live music. I live in the Pacific Northwest with my dear husband, Adam, who joins me teaching Kiss Me Bite Me Pet Me curriculum and helps me wrangle our large and creative family. 

Education and Certifications

Deborah is a licensed mental health counselor and AASECT certified sex therapist. She holds additional relationship trainings with The Gottman Institute and The Parnell Institute (EMDR). Deborah is a Family Constellation trainer and a Big Leap Coach. 

  • MA in Counseling, Saybrook University (formerly LIOS)

    BS, University of California, Santa Barbara

  • Certified Levels One Two and Three

    • John and Julie Gottman have created a template for couples training which is rooted in science and attachment, providing concrete practical tools and skills.

    Gottman Infidelity Training

    Gottman Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Leader

  • AASECT Certified Sex Therapist

    Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) Certified Sex Therapist

    • SHA provides “the highest quality of training in sexuality from the world’s experts” and promotes “an integrated, interdisciplinary approach to sexuality.”

    Additional intimacy and sexuality trainings:

    • Rekindling Desire, Disparate Libido, How to Incorporate Fantasy,

    • Sex at Middle Age and Beyond, Women’s Pleasure and Sensuality,

    • Explore Your Pleasure with Carlin Ross (who worked with Betty Dodson)

  • EMDR training

    • Level One and Two training in EMDR therapy from EMDIRA institute

    • Level One, Two and Three Training with a focus on attachment and EMDR addiction training for addiction and early attachment trauma from the Parnell Institute.

    Big Leap Coach

    • Katie and Gay Hendricks, authors of Conscious Loving, certification focusing on movement, play, embodiment and positivity.