Debra Thurman, LCSW

Montana · 25 years in practice

Debra Thurman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Montana with 25 years of practice.

License and registration

LCSW, Montana: BBH-LCSW-LIC-1005 · expires December 2026
NPI: 1376834440 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 25
Languages: English

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check the license with the issuing state board, and the NPI with the national registry.

About Debra

Debra Thurman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in Montana with 25 years of practice. She prefers working with adults and focuses on helping people manage stress, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, depression, and major life transitions. She brings a direct and compassionate approach to conversations about hard problems.

Her work often addresses trauma and abuse, sleep difficulties, caregiving strain, chronic illness, and mood concerns including bipolar disorder. She also supports people navigating relationship stress, family of origin issues, divorce and separation, and forgiveness.

Background and approach

She listens first, then helps set practical goals to make small changes that matter. Debra uses several evidence-informed approaches to guide sessions. She draws from Emotionally-Focused Therapy to help people understand emotions and strengthen how they relate to themselves.

She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy tools to change unhelpful thoughts and build values-based action. Sessions are tailored to each person’s needs and pace. Debra aims to create a respectful, calm space where clients can talk through painful experiences, practice new coping skills, and build confidence.

She values clear communication and works collaboratively on realistic steps forward. Her practice includes work around aging and geriatric concerns, autism spectrum issues, codependency, chronic pain, parenting stress, and guilt or shame. Debra offers support for people coping with career challenges and for those facing end-of-life or grief matters.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Debra lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Stress, Anxiety
Anger management
Self esteem
Depression
Coping with life changes
LGBT
Family conflicts
Trauma and abuse
Sleeping disorders
Parenting issues
Career difficulties
Bipolar disorder
Aging and geriatric issues
Autism and Asperger Syndrome
Caregiver issues and stress
Chronic pain, illness, and disability
Codependency
Commitment issues
Control issues
Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)
Divorce and separation
Domestic violence
Emptiness
Family of origin issues
Family problems
Forgiveness
Guilt and shame
Hospice and end-of-life counseling
Infidelity
Isolation / loneliness
Life purpose
Midlife crisis
Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
Mood disorders
Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
Panic disorder and panic attacks
Post-traumatic stress
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Self-love
Smoking / vaping cessation
Social anxiety and phobia
Women's issues
Workplace issues

Approaches Debra names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.

Online support

How emotion-focused and behavioral approaches work online

Debra draws on Emotionally-Focused Therapy to help people notice and name feelings, and to understand how emotions shape their reactions. That approach can help when strong emotions get in the way of daily life or decision making. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help people accept difficult thoughts or feelings while committing to actions that match their values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to identify patterns of thinking that fuel anxiety or depression and to practice new ways of responding.

Choosing an approach is a collaborative process. The therapist and client will discuss goals, try methods that fit the person’s needs, and adjust the plan over time. Sessions include both talking and practical exercises so clients can practice skills between meetings.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging to increase flexibility. Video calls make it easier to read facial cues during deeper conversations. Phone sessions can work well when bandwidth is limited or for shorter check-ins. Live chat and text messaging allow ongoing support and brief skill practice between scheduled meetings.

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Questions people ask

What concerns does she commonly address?

She helps people with stress, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, depression, trauma and abuse, sleep problems, bipolar mood concerns, and coping with life changes.

What is her therapeutic style like?

Her style is respectful and direct. She listens first, collaborates on goals, and uses practical skills practice alongside emotional exploration.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She has 25 years of professional experience working in mental health settings and with adult clients across a wide range of concerns.

What are her credentials and where is she based?

She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, and practices in Montana.

Can I work with her if I live outside the United States?

Sessions are offered in English and she is not accepting international clients at this time.

What session formats are available?

She offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging for remote care.

How does payment and cost work?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions are provided through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with her?

Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule sessions according to therapist availability.

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