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LCSW

Deborah Sterling, LCSW

  • Experience3 years
  • LocationCalifornia
  • Focus areasADHD, Stress and Anxiety, and Family
  • Therapy approachesClient-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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About Deborah

Deborah Sterling is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in California who focuses on concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, and parenting challenges.

Background and approach

She brings practical, strengths-based support for people navigating life transitions, compassion fatigue, family problems, and questions around self-esteem and self-love. Her background includes extensive work with adoption and foster care, as well as experience addressing divorce, separation, and non-monogamous relationship dynamics.

Her style leans toward supportive, client-centered care shaped by cognitive behavioral ideas and solution-focused techniques. She uses traditional talk therapy alongside targeted strategies to help clients identify patterns, build coping skills, and develop realistic action steps.

With three years of licensed practice as an LCSW, Deborah combines clinical knowledge with an emphasis on collaboration and respect for each person's priorities and pace. Deborah works with LGBT concerns and offers approaches geared toward practical problem solving and emotional processing.

Her services aim to help clients move toward clearer goals, improved daily functioning, and greater self-compassion while honoring each person’s unique journey.

Approaches that guide online sessions and practical support



Client-Centered Therapy focuses on understanding each person’s experience from their perspective, offering empathy and acceptance while helping clients explore their values and goals. This approach is useful for building trust and clarifying what matters most when facing stress, relationship concerns, or questions of self-worth.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors by teaching skills to reframe unhelpful thinking and try new actions. CBT-informed techniques can help manage anxiety, depression, ADHD-related challenges, and everyday coping strategies through practical exercises and behavioral experiments.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and Deborah works collaboratively with clients to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and personal preferences. She tailors interventions over time, combining supportive listening with skill-building so the work aligns with each person’s pace and priorities.

Online sessions offer flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, making it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules or to access support from home. These options let clients choose formats that suit their comfort level and lifestyle while maintaining regular contact and practical momentum toward their goals.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Deborah commonly address?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting challenges, compassion fatigue, and self-esteem issues.
What is her general therapeutic style?
Deborah practices a client-centered approach that emphasizes collaboration and respect, combined with supportive, solution-focused thinking to help clients set and pursue practical goals.
What is her professional background?
She holds an LCSW and brings three years of licensed practice experience, along with extensive prior work in child welfare and foster care settings supporting children, teens, and families.
Where is she licensed and practicing?
Deborah is licensed in California with the credential CA LCSW 60078 and provides services while based in that state.
Does she offer services in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are available in English only, and she is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available with her?
Clients can connect through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on their preference.
How are fees and subscriptions handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are delivered through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with Deborah?
To get started select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionADHD

Also works with

LGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefParenting issuesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

Adoption and foster careDivorce and separationFamily problemsPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsSelf-love

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Solution-Focused Therapy

Experience

3+ years

Licensed

California

Languages

English

What Deborah can help with

Deborah Sterling works with clients on stress and anxiety, family conflicts, self esteem, depression, and ADHD.

How Deborah approaches therapy

Deborah's clinical approaches include Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy.

Experience and training

Deborah is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in California, with 3 years of clinical experience.