- Client-centered care
- Mindfulness techniques
- Trauma-informed focus
About Debra
Debra Pintel Steiner is a licensed clinical social worker who helps adults manage depression, anxiety, and relationship concerns. She draws on ten years of practice to offer calm, steady support for people facing stress, grief, addiction, and life transitions. Debra aims to build trust so clients can talk openly about what’s weighing on them and begin to notice new ways of coping.
Before shifting to individual therapy, she worked in child welfare with Alameda County Child Protective Services. In that role she provided family counseling to people involved in the child welfare system and supported adults with chronic physical health and mental health needs. That background informs her practical, grounded approach today.
Debra practices from a client-centered perspective, which means she listens first and follows the client’s pace. She combines that stance with mindfulness techniques to help people stay present and trauma-focused strategies when past events are affecting daily life. These methods are used to reduce overwhelm and to help clients find clearer next steps.
Sessions focus on what the person brings to the room. Debra helps people name feelings, sort options, and try small changes between meetings. She also works with issues like parenting strain, compassion fatigue, ADHD-related challenges, sleep problems, and intimacy concerns.
Debra holds a California LCSW, which stands for Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Her experience includes ten years of direct practice in community and social service settings, and she currently provides individual therapy for adults in California.
How these approaches work in online therapy
Client-centered therapy emphasizes listening and following the client’s lead. The therapist creates space for people to say what matters most and helps them find their own solutions. This approach is useful when someone needs time to feel heard before making changes.Mindfulness therapy teaches simple attention skills to reduce overwhelm and improve sleep and mood. Practices can include short breathing exercises and noticing bodily sensations to help with anxiety and stress regulation.
Trauma-focused work looks at how past events affect current emotions and behaviors. It often uses gradual, paced techniques to help people process hard memories and reduce their ongoing impact on daily life.
Finding the right approach is part of therapy. The therapist works together with each person to choose methods that match goals, preferences, and what feels manageable. That collaborative process may change over time as needs shift.
Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered. Online therapy can make scheduling easier and help sessions fit into a busy life. It can reduce travel time, allow quicker check-ins between appointments, and make it simpler to keep regular meetings during work or caregiving demands.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Debra help with?
She works with adults on stress, anxiety, depression, grief, relationships, addiction, trauma and related issues like sleep problems and parenting strain.
How would you describe her therapy style?
Her approach is client-centered and calm. She listens first, follows each person’s pace, and focuses on practical steps people can try between sessions.
What experience does she bring to sessions?
She has ten years of practice, including time at Alameda County Child Protective Services and work with adults facing chronic physical and mental health issues.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She holds a California LCSW, which is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential, and she practices in California.
Which languages are supported in therapy?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside the US work with her?
She does not work with international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.
What are the steps to begin therapy?
Use the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule according to the therapist’s availability.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the crisis numbers.