Debra Thurman, LCSW - Therapist in Montana

Stress and anxiety
CBT and ACT methods
Adults 18 and older

About Debra

Debra Thurman is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in Montana with 25 years of experience. She works primarily with adults and addresses concerns such as stress, anxiety, anger, self-esteem, depression, and coping with life changes. Debra also lists work related to trauma and abuse, sleep difficulties, parenting strain, career questions, and bipolar mood concerns.

Her approach draws on practical talking and skills-based work. Sessions focus on what is happening now and on tools a person can try between meetings. She uses methods from cognitive behavioral therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to help people notice patterns and choose values-consistent actions.

Debra also incorporates client-centered principles and techniques from dialectical behavior therapy and emotionally-focused therapy when helpful. That means conversations are directed by the person’s concerns while also introducing exercises for emotion regulation and relationship reflection. The therapist adapts how she works to the issues presented rather than following a fixed script.

She has experience across a broad age range but prefers to work with adults. Over her career she has supported people dealing with grief, chronic illness, caregiving strain, family of origin problems, and separation or divorce. Her practice includes attention to concerns that overlap with aging and autism spectrum differences.

Sessions move at a practical pace. Expect to talk through current struggles, learn specific coping skills, and set small steps to try between meetings. To begin, follow the listed steps to match and schedule an initial appointment.

Therapeutic approaches and online sessions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and move toward values-based action rather than getting stuck. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying thinking patterns and testing them with small behavioral experiments to reduce anxiety and improve mood. Client-Centered Therapy prioritizes the person's perspective, using reflective listening and collaboration to shape goals and session focus.

Deciding which approach to use is part of the work together. The therapist will talk with the person about their needs, goals, and preferences and then recommend ways of working that fit those priorities. That conversation is collaborative and can change as treatment progresses.

The biography does not list specific session formats, so confirm available online options before booking. Many people find online meetings easier to fit into daily life because they reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins around work or caregiving responsibilities. Others prefer options that limit camera use or involve phone contacts for lower bandwidth. Check the session format choices and select what best fits scheduling, technology, and comfort.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteem Depression Coping with life changes

Also works with

LGBTFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersParenting issuesCareer difficultiesBipolar disorder

Additional focus areas

Aging and geriatric issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issues Control issuesDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)Divorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgiveness Guilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingInfidelity Isolation / loneliness Life purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disorders Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks Post-traumatic stress Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSmoking / vaping cessationSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issues Workplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyMotivational InterviewingNarrative TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

25+ years

Listed in

Montana

Languages

English

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does she work with?

She lists stress, anxiety, anger, self-esteem, depression, trauma and abuse, sleep problems, parenting strain, career issues, and bipolar mood concerns among others.

What is her therapeutic style?

She uses practical talking plus skill teaching, drawing from CBT and ACT and using client-centered principles to guide conversations.

How much experience does she have?

She has 25 years of professional experience as an LCSW practicing in Montana.

What credential and location details are listed?

She is a Montana Licensed Clinical Social Worker (MT LCSW) based in Montana.

Which languages are supported and are international clients accepted?

Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.

What session formats are offered?

The biography does not list specific session formats; confirm current session options before booking.

How does cost work?

Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

How do I get started?

Select the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.