Her Story
About Debbie
Debbie is a Licensed Mental Health Clinician with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Seattle University and a Bachelor's in Psychology and Criminal Justice from UW. She has worked in the mental health counseling field since 2011, specializing in trauma, dementia patients, end-of-life care, crisis work, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. She provides counseling in traditional outpatient settings and maintains a private practice on the side, drawing from prior experience in community mental health, harm reduction programs, domestic violence advocacy in Seattle shelters, and residential facilities. She attributes her success to her children and values transparency, empathy, honesty, connection, and being true to herself while protecting her family and personal boundaries.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Debbie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my kids. Wanting to give them a better life and showing them there's no stigma to being a low-income single parent. I started this mission before you, I'm gonna complete it. I don't want them to have no role model or see me not keep my word.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Believe in yourself and do it, go for it. Don't doubt yourself. Take it one day at a time, make sure your support system is really strong. Be very protective of your peace and your personal life. Set your boundaries and protect your loved ones and your own energy. Don't think that you're just gonna have one job and make a ton of money.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being really transparent, empathy, honesty, connection, being true to yourself. Don't get lost in your work. Protect your family and don't compromise your values for work.
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