Debbie L. DeVries, MA, LMHC
Counseling and Psychotherapy
Welcome
My practice is fully virtual, providing Washington State residents convenient, individual counseling and psychotherapy sessions from wherever you feel most comfortable. This flexibility supports your healing and allows greater access to counseling services. If virtual therapy is new to you, let me reassure you that I'm experienced in cultivating authentic connection and a warm, supportive therapeutic environment.
I serve adults ages 21 and over.
Specifically, I partner with clients who have shown a tenacity to thrive, experienced adversity, and are driven by hope even if life feels unsatisfying right now. You may struggle to tune into your needs, making it difficult to maintain a healthy balance. You may be working toward cultivating a more positive relationship with yourself or managing anxiety rooted in painful or stressful life experiences. You may be feeling destabilized by panic attacks, traumatic memories, depression, a lack of structure, uncertainty about your career path, or difficulties in personal relationships.
I can partner with you as you reconnect with your authentic self, creating a more balanced and fulfilling life so you can live the life you want to live. I deeply value cultural differences and welcome the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Specialties
Anxiety (generalized, social, performance, phobia, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, and agoraphobia)
Stress (life transitions, oppression, adjustment, injury, finances, career, etc.)
Depression (mild to moderate symptoms)
Relationship Issues (work, family, and friends)
Occupational, Educational, and Life Decisions
Coping & Mindfulness
Trauma History
Self Esteem
I serve adults ages 21 and over.
Specifically, I partner with clients who have shown a tenacity to thrive, experienced adversity, and are driven by hope even if life feels unsatisfying right now. You may struggle to tune into your needs, making it difficult to maintain a healthy balance. You may be working toward cultivating a more positive relationship with yourself or managing anxiety rooted in painful or stressful life experiences. You may be feeling destabilized by panic attacks, traumatic memories, depression, a lack of structure, uncertainty about your career path, or difficulties in personal relationships.
I can partner with you as you reconnect with your authentic self, creating a more balanced and fulfilling life so you can live the life you want to live. I deeply value cultural differences and welcome the opportunity to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Specialties
Anxiety (generalized, social, performance, phobia, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress, and agoraphobia)
Stress (life transitions, oppression, adjustment, injury, finances, career, etc.)
Depression (mild to moderate symptoms)
Relationship Issues (work, family, and friends)
Occupational, Educational, and Life Decisions
Coping & Mindfulness
Trauma History
Self Esteem
About Me
Hi, I'm Debbie!
From an early age, I was conscientious and observant with a natural ability to anticipate others' needs, listen, and offer support. Offering care and compassion felt second nature, well before I ever understood it as a skill. I found a career path early in life by entering the fields of social work and mental health, where these abilities not only had a place but could make a difference.
For over 30 years, I have been a member of the social justice and mental health healing community, enjoying a thoroughly satisfying career. This trajectory was profoundly influenced during my first internship at Western State Hospital. The individuals I came to know and support inspired me through their resilience, their stories, and their humanity, and they continue to guide my work today. That formative experience fueled my passion to serve the public, as it put into sharp focus the health and safety needs of our communities.
Throughout my career and in managing my personal holistic health challenges, stemming from severe injury, I gained valuable insight into the human capacity to be amazingly resilient when adequate supports are available. This work continues to be meaningful and is an enduring joy I carry with me every day.
What I'm Like As a Therapist
Our spirit knows how to heal and I will partner with you as you connect with your inner wisdom and strengths. My demeanor is best described as personable, nonjudgmental, and empathetic. I'm easy to talk to, collaborative, down-to-earth, and bring a warm, engaged energy to our work together. You'll experience a space where it's okay to shed some stress-relieving tears, sit in silence, or share some healing laughter.
My approach draws on expertise I’ve developed in combining different yet compatible evidence-based theories and techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Guided Imagery, Energy Psychology, Mindfulness-Based practices, Lifespan Integration, Positive Psychology, Solution-Focused strategies, and Strength-Based methods, all tailored to your unique goals for therapy.
I also offer trauma-informed therapy utilizing Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with energy-based and nervous system regulating approaches as additional modalities. If you’re curious to learn more, I invite you to visit the EMDR Therapy page.
Across all approaches, I provide a supportive space with warmth, humor (yes, humor), encouragement, and gentle challenging. I am responsive to the unique needs of each individual and will tailor my interventions accordingly. I have a genuine affinity for people which comes through in my counseling style.
Education
Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Antioch University
Bachelor of Social Work, Pacific Lutheran University
Professional Affiliations
American Counseling Association
National Board for Certified Counselors
Washington Mental Health Counselors Association
Professional Certifications
- Certified Trauma Professional
- Certified Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
- Certified Virtual EMDR
- EMDR training for Trauma-Focused Treatment
- Advanced Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Advanced Training in Panic Attack Intervention
- Advanced Training in Treatment of Anxiety Disorders
- Advanced Training in Treatment of Depression
- Advanced Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
- Advanced Training in Ambiguous Grief and Non-Death Losses
- Advanced Training in Treating Codependency and Relationship Boundaries
- Training in Emotional Sobriety and Recovery-Focused Therapy
- Advanced Training in Suicide Risk Assessment and Safety Planning
- Advanced Training in Affirming Care for Gender-Questioning, Transgender, and Non-Binary Clients
- Training in Ethical Evaluation and Documentation for Emotional Support Animals (ESA Letters)
- Training in Disaster Mental Health Interventions
EMDR Therapy
EMDR therapy helps you heal from the impact of painful memories and traumatic events quickly. Trauma can develop weeks, months, or even years after a single terrible event. Complex trauma often builds over time through repeated experiences. Oftentimes, talking about these painful memories is something people prefer to avoid and EMDR therapy thankfully offers an alternative, gentler path to healing.
No matter what your history, healing happens in the presence of a therapeutic relationship where you are emotionally understood and feel a comforting connection.
Why Do EMDR Therapy?
EMDR supports healing from trauma that developed after one overwhelming event or through a series of difficult experiences over time. It’s also been my observation as a therapist that it's not at all uncommon for people to come into therapy seeking support to deal with stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, career uncertainty, relationship challenges, or a rough patch only to discover that many pieces of their lived experience have quietly taken root as small or even significant traumas.
I'll guide you in a variety of ways to support your nervous system's regulation. By integrating EMDR with other holistic approaches including mindfulness, somatic awareness, and energy-based practices this creates a uniquely beneficial approach tailored to you. Healing is typically felt early in the process of doing EMDR and the nature of this technique means that you will no longer experience emotional intensity and difficulties associated with the event(s). EMDR is incredibly healing and the relief you experience is lifelong.
How EMDR Can Support Your Healing
While Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) was developed as a structured therapy by Francine Shapiro to treat PTSD, its core elements such as rhythmic movement and the body’s innate capacity to process and heal have long existed in practices across cultures. These traditions reflect a deep understanding of how the mind and body move through pain and reconnect with wholeness.
As EMDR taps into the brain's natural healing process, it has been proven useful for healing many conditions and below are examples of my areas of expertise:
Healing and Emotional Relief
When emotions feel intense, close to the surface, or hard to access at all, we may focus on:
- Healing anxiety, panic, and phobias
- Healing health anxiety
- Reducing stress and building resilience
- Reducing chronic burnout and overwhelm
- Lifting depression and emotional numbness
- Processing grief and traumatic loss
- Releasing guilt and shame tied to belief systems
- Healing religious or spiritual trauma
When past experiences continue to show up in your body, thoughts, or daily life, our work might include:
- Healing childhood trauma
- Healing emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
- Healing the impact of witnessing accidents or violent events
- Eliminating intrusive memories and flashbacks from overwhelming experiences
- Unblocking areas where you feel stuck in old patterns or memories
When relationships feel draining, confusing, or painful, EMDR can be woven into work around:
- Building trust and safety in relationships
- Repairing attachment wounds and strengthening boundaries
- Changing relational dynamics you no longer want to repeat
If self-doubt, criticism, or discomfort in your own skin keeps getting in the way, we may explore:
- Strengthening self-worth and overcoming limiting beliefs
- Building a more compassionate connection with your body (including body dysmorphia)
- Building confidence with performance anxiety and fear of failure
During seasons of transition, identity shifts, or uncertainty, our focus may include:
- Adjusting to major life changes and role shifts
- Navigating career decisions and identity transitions
Fees
Therapy Rates, Insurance, Out-of-Network, and Sliding Scale Options
Initial Consultation
15 minutes - Free
Individual Counseling Session Telehealth
50 - 60 minutes - $165
Individual Counseling Session Telehealth
75 minutes - $185
Individual Counseling Session Telehealth
90 minutes for extended sessions - $195
Intake Telehealth
80 - 90 minutes - $175
There is no additional charge for employer letters, FMLA paperwork, or Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letters for clients actively participating in therapy.
Insurance
In-network with Aetna. If Aetna is your secondary insurance, I am considered out-of-network.
Private Pay & Out-Of-Network
My practice is primarily private pay and out-of-network.
Most of my clients receive partial or full reimbursement through their out-of-network benefits.
Using your out-of-network benefits is easy:
I will email you a monthly statement of session fees paid, known as a superbill.
You then upload the statement to your insurance company, typically under “Claims", for potential reimbursement of part or all of your session costs.
This process is quick and straightforward!
Sliding Scale Options
In an effort to reduce financial barriers and increase access to mental healthcare, I am offering a limited number of sliding-scale fees of $100 or $120 for clients experiencing a temporary financial hardship. The fees will be set according to your unique financial situation. We will renegotiate fees once your financial situation changes.
Please reach out to me to discuss this option.
Payment
I accept major credit and debit cards, including Health Spending Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) cards, as permitted by your insurer. You will have access to a secure, HIPAA-compliant client portal to track payments and view completed documents.
Good Faith Estimate
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, healthcare providers must provide patients who don’t have insurance or are not using insurance with an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.
Contact
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Connect with Debbie L. DeVries, MA, LMHC - Serving Adults across Washington State
To get started, I invite you to please call or email to schedule a free, 15-minute initial consultation.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Phone: 206-552-0574
Email: counseling@devriesllc.com
By Appointment Only
Monday - Friday
11:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Please, if you are experiencing an emergency:
Dial 911
Call the National Suicide Prevention Line 988.
Call the King County Crisis Clinic (206-461-3222) to speak with a crisis counselor 24/7.
Text "HOME" TO 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. for support from a crisis counselor via text message 24/7.
Go to your nearest Emergency Room.
Charitalbe Giving
Debbie L. DeVries, PLLC is committed to supporting the community and has donated to the following nonprofits.
Des Moines Area Food Bank
http://www.myfoodbank.org
Northwest Justice Project
https://nwjustice.org
Rainbow Center
https://www.rainbowcntr.org
Service Peace Warriors
https://servicepeacewarriors.org
The Trevor Project
https://www.thetrevorproject.org
WWIN
https://wwin.org
YWCA Seattle, King & Snohomish Counties
https://www.ywcaworks.org
Des Moines Area Food Bank
http://www.myfoodbank.org
Northwest Justice Project
https://nwjustice.org
Rainbow Center
https://www.rainbowcntr.org
Service Peace Warriors
https://servicepeacewarriors.org
The Trevor Project
https://www.thetrevorproject.org
WWIN
https://wwin.org
YWCA Seattle, King & Snohomish Counties
https://www.ywcaworks.org