Debbie Allen, LCSW, DCSW
(805) 882-2424 x 103
Debbie uses a blend of traditional and holistic psychotherapeutic methods to help families and individuals achieve their goals and experience fulfilling lives. She works to help release unwanted patterns/beliefs and unresolved feelings that are blocking personal power, self-acceptance and satisfying relationships.
Debbie’s genuine warmth and caring is evident in her natural inclination to notice the best in people and help them mobilize changes that allow them to deepen relationships with others. She believes that in the safety of the therapeutic setting, people will find the motivation and courage to face their fears and open their hearts in a new way. Healing involves the whole person-mind, heart, body and spirit.
She facilitates a process whereby individuals and families can draw on their strengths, deepen their relationships, and walk the razors edge to overcome fears and limitations of the past in order to live with grace and courage.
BIOGRAPHY
20 + years of community and private practice including inpatient hospitals, outpatient treatment programs, residential treatment, and school based therapy. Family therapy. Marital therapy. Child and Adolescent therapy. Mult-Systemic Therapy (MST). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
EDUCATION AND CREDENTIALS
Diplomate in Clinical Social Work from the National Association of Social Workers; Licensed Clinical Social Worker since 1988; Masters Degree in Social Welfare from UCLA, 1985; Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from UCSB, 1983
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS / ACTIVITIES
Adjunct faculty, Antioch University of Santa Barbara Member; President, National Association of Social Workers Santa Barbara Chapter
PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS AND SPECIALTIES
Strength-based and culturally sensitive therapy and interventions
Family Therapy including issues of substance abuse, blended families, parenting, step-parenting, single parenting, adolescent problems, abuse, extended family, in-law conflicts
Relationship therapy to help couples develop effective and positive communication skills, to resolve family-of-origin issues, to enhance intimacy, and build trust and commitment. Issues include dating, premarital, marital therapy, separation, divorce adjustment, bereavement, communication, intimacy and sexuality
Helping teenagers and young adults navigate complex issues related to identity, body image, life values, individuation and differentiation, family struggles, relationships with peers, and school difficulties
Evaluation and treatment of a broad range of emotional problems including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, posttraumatic stress disorder and eating disorders
Evaluation and interventions for children/teens who are not doing well in school as a result of ADHD, learning disabilities, oppositional behavior, or mood issues that interfere with learning.
School consulting for Special Education with strength-based recommendations for treatment and interventions.
Stress Management including relaxation training, breathing exercises, guided imagery, thought stopping, present focus, and meditation
Committed to working with people from diverse economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds for a variety of problems.
