Debra has spent the last 15 years working in healthcare in the areas of Alternative Medicine, Home based care, Geriatrics, Hospice and Palliative care and Community Mental Health. She has also taught at Western Michigan University in their Integrative and Holistic Medicine Department working with college students. Her focus has been advocating, supporting and counseling people process life changes , transitions, end of life, terminal illness, grief/loss and finding meaning and purpose in people’s lives at any age or stage. She deeply believes in the resilience of the human spirit and tapping into each person’s unique strengths to be successful in living a life of joy and hope.
Debra engages in therapeutic partnering with her clients identifying goals defined by them to transform thought patterns, behaviors and choices so that they align with their core beliefs and desires for their lives. Her clients have ranged in age from young adults, just starting their life journey, to seniors who are active and engaged well into their 90’s. Debra feels it is a privilege to provide a safe space for her clients to slow down, explore and grow as human beings in a fast paced and ever changing world.
B.A . Indiana University, Bloomington.L. M. S. W. Western Michigan University Certifications:Facilitator for Advanced Directives, Making Choices MichiganTeacher training, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, Center for Mindfulness/University of Massachusetts Medical Center Areas of Interest and Specialty:>Geriatrics>Coping with Dementia/Alzheimer’s for patients and caregivers>Woman in Transition and Recreation of Self>End of Life>Grief/loss>Advocacy in directing care and gathering resources within the medical system>Navigating divorce, Job loss, terminal illness.>Medical Decision making and creation of Advanced Directives>Mindfulness practices to address stress, anxiety and depression>Alternative healthcare modalities in treating depression/anxiety