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Therapist profile

Debra Struzinski

LMFT Connecticut 24 years of experience

Practical, compassionate help for life transitions

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Debra Struzinski
  • Client-centered
  • CBT strategies
  • Motivational support

About Debra

Debra Struzinski is a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) based in Connecticut. She draws on 24 years of clinical experience to help people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and major life changes. Her work focuses on practical, straightforward conversations and tailored goals.

Debra uses a client-centered approach to create a respectful space where people can describe what matters most to them. She pairs that with cognitive behavioral techniques to identify unhelpful patterns and try small, doable changes. Motivational interviewing is part of her toolbox when someone needs help finding the drive to make a change.

She has experience addressing relationship and family concerns, parenting stresses, grief, addiction issues, and trauma. Other areas she supports include compassion fatigue, ADHD, postpartum depression, and matters around intimacy and self-esteem. She also works with adoption and foster care concerns, divorce and separation, and first responder issues.

Debra emphasizes listening first and then shaping therapy to fit each person's goals. Sessions tend to focus on clear steps people can take between meetings. She aims to help clients gain coping skills and a clearer sense of direction during transitions.

People who choose her often want practical help with everyday problems and life milestones. Her style is direct but compassionate, with attention to both feelings and changes in behavior that make life easier to manage.

How therapeutic approaches fit into online care

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to each person's concerns in a respectful way. It helps people who need a supportive space to sort through feelings and decide on next steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and actions and uses practical exercises to change unhelpful patterns. It is helpful for anxiety, depression, and coping with life changes.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and what feels useful. That conversation guides whether sessions use more client-centered listening, CBT techniques, or motivational interviewing to build motivation for change.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm the current session options before booking so you know how sessions are delivered. Many people appreciate online options because they can fit therapy into a busy week, reduce travel time, and make it easier to check in during transitions. Different formats can also allow for shorter check-ins or sessions that do not require being on camera. The therapist will discuss which approach and session arrangement best fit each person's needs and daily life.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem

Also works with

AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional focus areas

Adoption and foster careCommunication problemsDivorce and separationFirst responder issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPostpartum depressionSelf-love

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingInternal Family Systems

Experience

24+ years

Credentials

Connecticut, Florida

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Debra commonly help with?

She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship and family challenges, parenting issues, grief, addiction concerns, trauma, and coping with life changes.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style is client-centered and collaborative, using clear conversation and practical steps. Cognitive behavioral techniques and motivational interviewing are used when helpful.

What kind of experience does she bring?

Debra has 24 years of clinical experience working as a marriage and family therapist with a range of life and relationship issues.

Where is she licensed and based?

She holds the LMFT credential and practices from Connecticut with licensing in the states noted in her profile.

Which languages are supported for sessions?

Sessions are offered in English.

Can people outside the United States work with her?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How are session costs handled?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

What are the first steps to begin therapy?

Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule sessions according to the therapist's availability.

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