Debra Dukes I am a Licensed Clinical Therapist and Special Education School Social Worker. I am highly motivated, persistent, and mature. I have worked with special education children and adolescent for over 23 years. I have helped them overcome developmental, personal and social problems.
My approach
I utilize the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy approach. Which will help clients identify certain thoughts and feelings about yourself or situations that can lead to distress. In the CBT sessions will work on identifying patterns and learning about how negative thoughts might negatively affect you. We will explore ways to replace negative thought pattern or behaviors with ones that are more helpful and accurate.
My focus
I have worked with special educations students with Emotional Disturbance , Oppositional Defiant, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Depression, Mood Disorder, Developmental Delays, and Autism.
My communication style
As a clinical social worker my greatest strength is being empathetic, compassionate, non-judgmental, and a good listener. This makes it easy for me to connect with people and offer advice or help them to articulate their thoughts and feelings.
My journey to mental healthcare
I have always given an ear to people who are in mental distress. I have held a life long passion for providing mental health counseling since my younger days. I also have receive care that was very beneficial and I want to make a difference. For 23 years I have enjoyed working as special education school social worker . I counseled children and teens who are emotionally distressed.
My goals for you
Discuss values and what is important to clients and develop goals in a specific plan. The goal should be specific, Measurable, and Attainable and have a deadline for accomplishing the goal.
My first session with you
During the first session I would greet them warmly, listening actively, asking questions, facing them or turning toward them during the session to show my engagement. Letting them know that any nervousness or anxiety they feel about the first session is common.