Deb Wren MA, LPC
Debra Wren, MA, LPC, Certified Professional Life Coach, is a licensed therapist and relationship coach dedicated to helping individuals, couples, and families achieve emotional wellness and meaningful connections. She is the owner and lead therapist of Renew With Wren Counseling LLC, providing comprehensive counseling services, and also leads Hearts Aligned Relationship Coaching, where she focuses on guiding clients toward healthier and more fulfilling relationships. Licensed in both Georgia and Missouri, Debra brings a solution-focused approach to every client interaction.
With extensive experience in education and behavioral health, Debra is skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, Group Therapy, and Adolescent Therapy. She has a proven history of supporting children, adolescents, and young adults, as well as mentoring other professionals in the mental health field. Her dual roles in counseling and coaching allow her to address both personal growth and relational development, helping clients navigate life transitions with resilience and confidence.
Debra earned her Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Webster University and her Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies from Arkansas State University. Her professional philosophy combines clinical expertise, compassionate care, and certified life coaching skills to guide clients toward lasting transformation and improved well-being.
• LPC & Certified Relationship Coach
• Arkansas State University - BS
• Webster University - MA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of strong foundational values, professional training, and a genuine commitment to serving others with integrity and purpose.
My success is also rooted in continuous learning and dedication to excellence. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Relationship Coach, I have invested in ongoing education, ethical practice, and skill development to ensure that the individuals and couples I serve receive thoughtful, effective, and evidence-based support. Growth is a lifelong process, and I strive to model that belief in my work.
Equally important is my willingness to lead with authenticity and compassion. I understand that healing and growth require safety, trust, and honesty, and I am intentional about creating spaces where people feel seen, respected, and empowered to do meaningful work. I approach every client and every opportunity with empathy, clarity, and accountability.
Finally, I attribute my success to consistency, faith in purpose, and a deep passion for helping people move from survival to alignment. By staying true to my values, honoring both professional responsibility and human connection, and remaining committed to service, I have been able to build work that is impactful, sustainable, and meaningful.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received is to stay grounded in my purpose and let integrity guide every decision. I was reminded early on that success in this field isn’t measured by titles or numbers, but by the consistency, care, and ethics with which you serve others. When you lead with integrity, trust is built, and longevity follows.
I was also taught to protect my boundaries and not confuse self-sacrifice with effectiveness. Pouring into others requires wisdom, balance, and the ability to say no when needed. Learning to take care of myself has allowed me to show up fully and sustainably for my clients and my work.
Another powerful lesson was to remain teachable and patient. Growth takes time, and confidence comes from competence and experience, not rushing the process. Staying humble, committed to learning, and aligned with my values has allowed my career to grow in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
If you’re a young woman considering a career in counseling, my first piece of advice is this: you have to have a heart for this work. This field is not just a job—it’s a calling. You will sit with people in their most vulnerable moments, hear stories that stay with you, and carry responsibility that goes far beyond a paycheck. If your heart isn’t in it, the work will feel heavy. But if it is, the work will be meaningful.
Be prepared to do your own inner work. Counseling will challenge you to grow, heal, and face parts of yourself you may have avoided. The better you know yourself, the better you can show up for others. Learn to set healthy boundaries early, because caring deeply does not mean pouring from an empty cup.
Stay humble and committed to learning. You don’t have to know everything, but you do need to stay teachable. Seek supervision, ask questions, and never stop sharpening your skills. Competence builds confidence, and confidence allows clients to feel safe.
Most importantly, protect your compassion. This field needs counselors who are empathetic, ethical, grounded, and emotionally present. Lead with integrity, show up consistently, and remember why you started. When you serve with purpose, professionalism, and heart, the impact you make will last far beyond the session.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of my greatest challenges has been learning how to hold space for others’ pain without carrying it as my own. This work requires deep empathy, and I’ve had to develop strong boundaries to protect my emotional well-being while remaining fully present for my clients.
Another challenge has been accepting that I cannot do the work for others. Letting go of outcomes and trusting the process has required patience, humility, and growth. Balancing the emotional demands of counseling with the responsibilities of running a practice has also tested my resilience.
These challenges have strengthened my boundaries, deepened my compassion, and reinforced the importance of staying grounded, authentic, and aligned with my purpose in this work.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide my work and personal life are integrity, compassion, and authenticity. I believe in showing up honestly and being true to who I am, even when it is uncomfortable or requires growth. Whether I am working with clients or navigating my own relationships, I strive to lead with respect, empathy, and intention.
I value emotional awareness and healthy communication. I believe that being able to express feelings openly, listen without defensiveness, and take responsibility for one’s actions is essential for building strong, lasting relationships. These values shape how I support others and how I choose to show up for the people closest to me.
Growth and accountability are also central to my life. I understand that healing and personal development are ongoing processes, and I am committed to doing my own work, learning from experience, and evolving as a woman, a professional, and a partner. Healthy boundaries are not just something I teach—they are something I practice to protect my peace, my energy, and my emotional well-being.
Above all, I value purpose, balance, and service. I believe my work is meaningful when it aligns with my values and my life feels whole, not depleted. By staying grounded, intentional, and compassionate, I strive to live in a way that reflects my principles and honors both my calling and my personal well-being.