Bio & Testimonials

Therapist. Human. Believer in growth, even when it’s messy.

With over 30 years of experience as a social worker and psychotherapist, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside individuals, couples, and families as they navigate eating disorders, anxiety, depression, relationship ruptures, and the complicated terrain of being human.

My therapeutic style is collaborative, flexible, and grounded in compassion. I blend a variety of evidence-based practices: ie. CBT, DBT and ACT with MI (motivational interviewing) and psychodynamic insight — because healing looks a little different for everyone. I meet you where you are, and we build from there.

I hold a Master of Social Work from the University of Toronto and have been a registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers since 1995. I’m also a current member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers.

Whether you’re untangling painful patterns or learning to trust yourself again, my job is to hold space, offer tools, and help you remember your capacity for healing and change.

I’m a proud mom to a wonderfully mixed crew of human and animal babies. I thrive on fresh air, sunshine, good books, delicious tea, and cozy blankets — especially when all five come together. Staying active (in nature whenever possible) is one of the ways I care for my own mental health.

One quote I come back to often is this:

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase — just take the first step.”
— Martin Luther King Jr.
 

Therapy can feel like that first step. If you're ready to explore what’s next, I’d love to connect.

📧 Email: connect@tap-cbt.ca
📱 Text: (647) 204-7405

" It's hard to describe in words the impact of the work done between Debbi and I. The process and sessions were life changing. I decided to access counselling while experiencing a very difficult separation with my now ex-husband. Although I work in the field of mental health, I was very hesitant and had previously seen counsellors that were not effective.  Debbi came highly recommended by a colleague and helped me navigate the most difficult experience and time in my life.  She provided steady guidance, compassion and a safe environment for me to share information and experiences that I had a really hard time saying out loud to anyone.  Working with Debbi allowed me to see the situation more clearly and helped me to continue to make the next right step.  I always felt better after every session."  Active client; midlife

"I sought help from Debbi because I needed help healing from an eating disorder (anorexia nervosa) I'd had for several years.  I was struggling to find other coping mechanisms for my anxiety - food and exercise were my ways to cope. Debbi was  understanding, empathetic and guided me to a path that was so individual to me and felt so meaningful. She really took her time and I felt heard which I struggled to feel in the past. We created an amazing rapport which comforted me. I felt listened to and supported throughout because I know Debbi cared genuinely for me." Former client- 20's  

"I am a recently retired professional. I reached out to Debbi per the referral of my family doctor to help with occasional mild depression related to sleep issues and general family relationships.  I have seen a few counsellors over my many years and found Debbi to be one of the best.  She is very empathetic and a good listener which in addition to her training, and her own life experiences was quick to understand and prioritize the important issues at hand for me and  make practical effective recommendations.  She makes for a good life coach in our survivor game of life: 😊"  Male client