Debra Killackey

Biography

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional with over 20 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, role stress, and grief. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don’t believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, narrative and client centered counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs.

Grief and Loss

I am an expert on loss – loss of a loved one, a dream, a relationship, or the loss of a way of life.  Yes, I understand grief in the traditional sense, having worked for Hospice for over 14 years, but grief doesn’t always involve a death.  It can also involve the loss of who we thought we were as people. We live in a chaotic world that is constantly asking things of us.  This can leave us drained and make it difficult for us to show up for our loved ones as the best version of ourselves. Whether it’s individual or couples counseling, I will help you to get back to your best self and help you reach those goals that have remained just out of reach. 

You Are Welcome Here

I want to begin by acknowledging how difficult the process of seeking therapy can be and commend you for taking this courageous step towards healing. In hopes of alleviating some of the challenges of finding the right therapist for you, I am introducing to myself to better assist you in envisioning a therapeutic journey together. I have been practicing in a variety of settings since 2003.  As an LCSW, I guide clients towards gaining empowerment over their life by providing tools to navigate personal experiences in a more fulfilling manner. In sessions I strive to promote the your control over your relationship with yourself and others. Therapy is a process and we will work towards building trust to uncover some challenging life experiences together.

I hold a safe space for each client’s unique style of coping and I work hard to create a collaborative, constructive and challenging environment that is also consistent with compassion, acceptance, warmth and occasional humor. Nothing is taboo in our discussions. Our work together is free of judgement, shame and a space where you as the client feel you can be your authentic self. I take a unique approach with each person to keep your goals the focus of our treatment.

I use evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Imago Relationship Therapy (IRT) and Trauma Informed Care to help you achieve your goals. I aim to make each person feel welcomed, cared for, accepted, and empowered, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. I have helped couples and individuals build the components necessary for strong, resilient relationships within themselves and with others. Together, we bring understanding to conflicting needs, desires while transforming difficulties into strengths allowing you to let go of self judgement, shame and guilt. This will allow space for you to create the ability to embrace what’s possible in a new way, bringing more pleasure and meaning to your life.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed, depressed, or have past experiences that continue to affect you, you have come to the right place. Therapy is an opportunity for personal growth and development in various aspects of your life. My goal is to help you to develop deeper insight into your personal thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while emphasizing your strengths and abilities. You are capable of change, you are resilient, and you deserve to live a happy life. If you feel like we could be a good fit I encourage you to make that initial appointment and together we can begin to face these challenges and uncover new, meaningful ways to approach life.

941-202-3350

Debra@wisecounselinginc.com